Transitioning from external funding to local government fund management
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Under the support of the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade through Water for Women Fund, East Meets West Foundation (EMWF) has launched the Community Led, Inclusive, Climate Resilient (CLICR) WASH project in 30 communes across 15 districts and 6 provinces in Cambodia from January 2023 to December 2024. One of the key objectives of this project is to enhance menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) for women and girls while promoting climate resilience.
A significant highlight of this project is the shift from reliance on external funding to local government management and allocation of funds for related activities. Ms. Khuon Sophea, Chair of Commune Committee for Women and Children (CCWC) stated that after the CLICR WASH project concluded, the Commune Committee members and Chair of Sangkat Roleab decided to allocate their annual funds for MHH training for women and girls in 16 villages. So far, 825 women and girls have been trained in MHH across 16 villages in Sangkat Roleab, Krong Pursat, Pursat province.
Under the CLICR WASH project, over 10,000 women and girls have been trained in menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) and mobilized to build or upgrade hygienic latrines, connect to piped water supplies, and install bio-sand filters to improve climate resilience. This initiative focuses on enhancing Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) for disadvantaged households.
Most of the target communes have committed to allocating annual funds to continue supporting MHH training for women and girls. This not only ensures the sustainability of the activities but also demonstrates the strong commitment of the community and local government to the health and well-being of their citizens.
Menstrual Health and Hygiene Day is an opportunity to reflect on the efforts and achievements made, while encouraging the participation and commitment of everyone in improving menstrual health and hygiene for women and girls. Efforts like the CLICR WASH project not only bring direct benefits to the community but also contribute to building a sustainable and climate-resilient future.
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