Empowering Women Forest Defenders in Cambodia

Sok lives with his wife in Kampong Chnang province where they farm a plot of land. Prior to studying with Peace Bridges, Sok did not help his wife with housework and frequently argued with her.

“I was impatient. I didn’t understand my wife’s feelings and needs,” Sok reflected. When they disagreed, he found it was difficult to acknowledge his own mistakes and forgive her.

“One day, I returned home to see that there was no food to eat. I was so upset and yelled at my wife because I thought she didn’t care about me. Why else would she not cook any food?” Sok’s wife was upset that he never helped out at home, so she told some work colleagues. When Sok found out, he was embarrassed and upset.

Later, Sok studied conflict resolution and nonviolent communication with Peace Bridges. He let go of destructive habits and adopted a nonjudging attitude, patience, and started practicing forgiveness. “My relationships benefited a lot from these changes,” he said. “Now I always practice these with my wife, friends, and neighbors.”

“Recently, I told my wife I wanted to eat fried chicken. She wanted to eat boiled chicken. And so we had a disagreement,” he recounted. This time, however, Sok had the tools to handle the conflict well. “I managed to calm down and consider my wife’s perspective. We decided to split the chicken and make two kinds so that she also had the chicken she loves.”

“Now I help my wife to manage our home. I cook, clean, and wash too,” Sok said. “My wife doesn’t yell at me or the children anymore,” he added.

 (Sok's name was changed to respect his confidentiality)