The Kandal Provincial Administration and several partner organisations working in the field of clean water conducted a recent two-day workshop for female commune heads and administrative assistants in Sa’ang district. The training aimed to offer new water and sanitation skills to some of the province’s outstanding woman community leaders.

The session was conducted with the support of WaterAid Cambodia, which collaborated with the provincial departments of rural development and women’s affairs, said the administration in an August 24 statement.

Addressing the session, Sa’ang district governor Chi Kim Hay outlined the important role of women leaders in promoting and encouraging people to understand the importance of using clean water and sanitation. With the additional training, he hoped the attendees would be able to influence people to change their behaviour.

“This workshop is important, as it gives them a better understanding of the issue, along with skills in speaking to the public. The training will give you the confidence and leadership skills required to analyse the current situation and to understand the relationship between gender and sanitation more clearly,” he said.

He hoped that the women who attended the course would gain a better understanding of the importance of using clean water, as well as how to cooperate and build relationships that would enable more effective teamwork.

Sok Uddom, representative for WaterAid Cambodia, said his organisation’s mission is to join the government in promoting and improving sanitation and clean water in the country.

He added that while Kandal was recently awarded open defecation free (ODF) status, there was still work to do to improve health and sanitation.

“This training will contribute to Sa’ang district reaching ODF-plus status in the future,” he said.

ODF-plus status is awarded to a community that has achieved ODF status, and also utilises solid or liquid waste systems.