Sokha Pivots into a New Field, Creating a Life of Economic Security for Her Daughter

Sokha grew up living far away from school and knew she was at high risk of being trafficked while she traveled there alone. Though Sokha persisted
in her education, she later had no choice but to drop out of secondary school to look after her two younger brothers. After getting married, she would migrate with her husband back and forth from Poipet to Thailand as he took on various jobs. Just a month after her daughter was born, her husband left for Thailand again and never returned. With no education or work experience, she and her daughter were highly vulnerable to nearby traffickers. Sokha learned about our Workforce Development Program through one of our community outreach events in Poipet. When she joined, she was surrounded by women from similar backgrounds; all determined to create a life of economic security for themselves and their children. After completing the first phase, Sokha joined a two-week technical training program with Cambodian Garment Training Institute (CGTI) in Phnom Penh to learn sewing operator skills. Our staff supported Sokha in bringing her mother along to look after her one-year-old daughter as she prepared for her final exam, which she passed! Sokha applied for multiple garment manufacturer positions, but instead, Sokha landed a job with a well-vetted cable manufacturer instead, making a competitive salary along with benefits and health insurance. We admire Sokha’s confidence in pivoting to a new industry and for remaining persistentin the face of rejection.

Help build a world free from human trafficking this holiday season. If you want to help more women and girls from challenged economic backgrounds reach freedom and THRIVE like Sokha, donate today at the button below. Your donation will help survivors, women, and girls throughout India, Cambodia, and Dallas overcome barriers to safe, sustainable employment.

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