Effects of Peer-Sharing on Gender Perceptions in Cambodia

This study investigates the effects of peer-sharing on gender perceptions in Cambodia, where patriarchal norms, deeply rooted in culture, can contribute to gender inequality and violence against women. The Chbab Srey, a poem traditionally taught to Cambodians, is thought to be correlated with gender inequity in Cambodia. Despite efforts by the Cambodian government and various organizations to promote gender equality, challenges persist, including economic disparities and ingrained societal expectations. This research examines whether sharing knowledge from gender training has a stronger impact on gender perceptions than simply participating in the training. Participants were encouraged to share their insights with others, and their gender perceptions were measured before and after the training. Surveys asking questions about gender roles, if women should tolerate violence etc. were used to measure gender perceptions. The training employed the Gender Action Learning System (GALS), which aims to foster gender justice through community-led empowerment and the engagement of men as allies for change. Preliminary findings suggest that the GALS gender training has positive effects on participants' gender perceptions, and peer sharing does not typically have a significant effect on gender perceptions. By understanding the impact of peer sharing, this study aims to contribute to the development of more effective strategies for fostering lasting gender equality in Cambodia.