Breaking Cycles of Exploitation Through Economic Empowerment
In Cambodia, economic vulnerability due to lack of employment, access to training, or gaps in education often forces women into unsafe working conditions or situations of exploitation. At Nomi Network, we believe that financial independence is key to breaking the cycle of human trafficking. Through our Workforce Development (WFD) Program in Cambodia, we provide women with the skills, resources, and opportunities needed to build sustainable, independent futures.
Our Journey in Cambodia
Nomi Network’s work began in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where co-founder Supei Liu moved with her family to launch our first initiative. Over the years, we developed programs that trained survivors and at-risk women in fashion design, textile production, and entrepreneurship through the Nomi Network Fashion Incubator (NNFI).
Through Nomi International Fashion Training (NIFT), women learned industry skills such as:
- Textile design and embroidery
- Pattern-making and garment construction
- Marketing and business development
- Ethical supply chain management
By equipping local entrepreneurs and social enterprises with technical skills, we helped create more ethical job opportunities for women. However, as the market became saturated and needs shifted, we evolved our approach to reach more vulnerable communities.
Why We Shifted the Model
While NNFI was successful, we identified three key challenges:
- Limited life skills – Many women needed basic education and life skills before entering the workforce.
- Lack of rural support – Trafficking risks remained high in rural Cambodia, where few services existed.
- Sustainable employment – Women needed long-term career pathways beyond entry-level garment jobs.
As a result, we transitioned to our Workforce Development Program (WFD), focusing on life skills, job training, and micro-enterprise development in rural Banteay Meanchey province near the Thailand border.
Nomi Network’s Workforce Development Program in Cambodia
Our Workforce Development Program is designed for women aged 18 and older who lack access to safe employment. Many live in extreme poverty, with husbands or family members migrating to Thailand for work—often leaving them without financial support.
Our three-phase program helps women gain confidence, develop skills, and secure safe employment or start their own businesses.
Phase I: Life Skills & Job Readiness
Before entering the workforce, women need foundational skills. We provide training in:
- Time management & communication
- Confidence-building & personal hygiene
- Financial literacy & savings
- Problem-solving & creative thinking
- Workplace rights & leadership
Women also receive a stipend during training to cover basic needs, reducing their reliance on debt.
Phase II: Industry Training & Micro-Enterprise Development
Women can choose from two career pathways:
Pathway 1: Employment in the Garment Industry
Women receive introductory sewing training and, if able to migrate for work, can advance their skills at the Cambodia Garment Training Institute in Poipet. From there, they can secure safe, fair-wage employment with our garment industry partner, Hi-Tech.
Pathway 2: Micro-Enterprise & Agriculture
For women who need to work from home, we offer training in animal husbandry and farming to help them start or expand businesses in:
- Raising chickens or livestock
- Rice or vegetable farming
- Managing expenses and income
Women receive business coaching and can apply for start-up funding, where Nomi Network purchases necessary equipment, livestock, and supplies to support their business.
Phase III: Long-Term Support & Safe Migration
For women entering formal employment, we provide ongoing support and safe migration assistance to ensure job stability. For entrepreneurs, we offer continued business coaching to help them grow their income and achieve financial independence.
Creating Lasting Change
Through our Workforce Development Program, Nomi Network is breaking cycles of exploitation and providing women in rural Cambodia with the tools to thrive. By empowering them with life skills, job training, and economic opportunities, we are building a future where no woman or girl is for sale.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Want to support our mission? Your donation helps fund training programs, provide stipends, and create sustainable futures for women in Cambodia. Together, we can end human trafficking through economic empowerment.
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