Women's Media Center (WMC)
Partner Since: 2003
Project Title: Accessing
the Law for Women’s Rights
Project Area: Phnom Penh,
Oddur Meanchey, Preah Vihear, Pursat,
Banteay Meanchey, Kampong Cham, Kampopng
Som, Rattanakiri, Siem Reap and Battembang
Summary: Through the production and broadcast
of four video dramas this project will
increase citizens’ knowledge of
land law and family law and the legal
processes necessary to access the legal
systems and rights. The productions will
be shown on television and through the
WMC mobile video broadcast unit. The project
aims to build the confidence of women
to stand up and seek help for abuses and
injustices by providing them with legal
and practical information and other approaches
for solutions that fit with their situation.
About the Organization:
During the UN-backed 1993 elections in
Cambodia, a coalition of women formed
the Cambodian Women's Committee for Non-Violence
and the Election (CWCNVE). Some of the
coalition members recognized the need
to continue to promote the rights of women
even after the elections and UNTAC. They
recognized the power of the media in promoting
and protecting these rights, as well as
raising pressing development issues in
the country. This core group of women
went on to become the founders of the
Women's Media Centre of Cambodia , and
officially established it as a non-profit,
non-governmental organization in January
1995.
Since its foundation, the WMC has grown
from an initial staff of five to a thriving
centre with 47 staff working in media
production, research, networking, media
service provision, and administration
and finance. An Advisory Board of Directors
was established in 2003 and formally meets
twice a year.
Today, WMC continues to use the media
to promote social change in Cambodian
society. The Centre, run entirely by women,
has become the foremost provider of public
service broadcasting in the country. Through
radio, television and video productions,
WMC has touched on almost every issue
affecting women in Cambodia today. Some
of these issues include HIV/AIDS, trafficking,
elections, domestic violence, decentralization,
and poverty. The Centre provides information,
education and advice to a broad range
of audiences, both male and female.
Contact WMC... |
