Cambodian models in shorts and T shirts
Ms. Molika Chen ,18, Molika Tan, worried that a draft law being drafted by the Cambodian government would impose fines on women accused of being dressed. And then she launched an online petition signature.
The draft Public Order Act would prohibit Cambodian women from wearing "too short or too exposed" clothes and men from going out to wear the upper body. government called it an effort to preserve cultural traditions and social dignity, these provisions were criticized.
Molica thought it was an attack on women. "As a young Cambodian, I want to go out safely and wear clothes that feel comfortable ," she said. I hope to express myself through dressing, do not want to be restricted by government. I believe there are other ways to preserve cultural traditions rather than legislation for women in short skirts. "
From last month she launched petition book online and has received more than 21,000 signatures.
Molika Tan poses on steps
And other women, like her, published their photo, on social media and asked ," Will I be punished for it? "And with # My Body My Choice (# mybodymychoice) topic tag.
"People always expect us to obey men ," says Molica. She believes that popular attitudes are influenced by tradition, which requires women to be docile.
Cambodia has in recent years government severely banned women from wearing exposed clothing and from performing by singers and actors who may be wearing inappropriate clothing. In April, a Cambodian woman was sentenced to six months in prison for wearing "sexy" clothes "while selling clothes on social media for alleged porn and indecent exposure. The Cambodian Prime Minister, Hun Sen, said at the time that the woman's live broadcast "was contrary to our culture and traditions" and that such behaviour encouraged sexual abuse and violence against women.
The 18-year-old Erin Lin, Aylin Lim, involved in a campaign against the legislation, wanted to point out Cambodia's culture of blaming victims.
"If the draft is passed, it will only make it easier for sexual harassment suspects to clear their suspicions and make them think it is not their fault ," she said. "I grew up in Cambodia and was told to go home by 8 p.m. and not to show too much meat ," she added. "
A close-up of Aylin Lim
Most of the online attention is paid to clothing regulations, and activists pay attention to other aspects of the draft.
The proposal included a ban on "free movement in public places "," all forms of begging ", and authorities approval of" use of public places "for peace rally. by persons with" mental disorders "; and
The Executive Director of the Cambodian human rights Centre, Chuck Sofyap (Chak Sopheap), and other activists, said that if the law was passed, it would affect the poorest segments of society. "It could further exacerbate poverty and systemic inequality ," she said. "
The law will not enter into force next year until the Cambodian government and national parliament have ratified it.
Chak Sopheap director from the Cambodian centre for human rights sits behind her desk
The Secretary of State of the Cambodian Ministry of the Interior, responsible for drafting the new law, law, rejected the The British Broadcasting Corporation's request for an interview, calling the law a "preliminary draft ".
But Sophia Pu (Chak Sopheap) is concerned that unless public pressure continues, the draft may be adopted without consideration. She said :" In Cambodia, law often rush through legislation procedures and have little time to consult with stakeholders. "
Molica remains optimistic, and her petition book will raise awareness and make government open to change. "I want to show the power of the public on this issue ," she said. "
