Many people come from rural areas of various provinces where educational opportunities for women are limited due to economic factors, safety concerns, and social expectations.
The Harpswell Foundation, a non-profit organization that fulfills its mission of empowering women through education and leadership, has been addressing this issue by providing housing and helping sponsor female college students since 2010.
Through the Women's Leadership Center, Harpswell provides young women with a safe living environment, provides counseling, and leadership training, helps them overcome challenges in university life, and also strengthens their independence.
For many female students from various provinces in Cambodia, moving to Phnom Penh to pursue university studies faces financial challenges and other factors.
Rent, meals, and travel fees can be the main factors that force some students to take part-time jobs that interfere with their studies.
Others find it difficult to find safe housing, often willing to live in silos or stay in unsafe areas.
Acknowledging this, Harpswell operates two women's leadership centers in Phnom Penh, providing free safe housing to students.
Ms. Rya Ducusin-Lomboy, Chief Communications Officer of the Harpswell Organization, based in Manila, Philippines, said: "Our campus is beyond a place of accommodation, it's an environment where students can thrive both academically and personally."
Each center has a library, computers, high-speed internet, and study spaces, ensuring that students have the resources they need to succeed academically.
To promote an awareness of responsibility and self-sufficiency, those female students take turns preparing nutritious meals in the community, learning important life skills while building a close support network.
For students such as Miss Noen Soni, a current resident of Harpswell and a university student from Kampong Thom Province, the internship has changed her life.
Harpswell not only provides me with a safe place to live, but it also provides me with counselling and guidance that I have never had before."
Helping graduates transition to independence
Beyond university life, female graduates often face difficulties in ensuring stable employment and obtaining high rents in Phnom Penh.
Miss Rya explained: "Alumnae House gives young women a transitional period to gain financial independence.
Alumnae House accommodates 8 to 12 graduates at a time, helping them navigate through the difficulties of the first year.
Having a place to stay while looking for a job reduces stress and gives them the confidence to find opportunities that they don't think wrong."
Increasing demand for student housing
As the number of young women pursuing higher education in Cambodia continues to grow, so does the need for safe and affordable student housing.
Miss continued that this year they received 325 applications from 129 high schools across 22 provinces.
Currently, Harpswell is able to accommodate 75 students across its two campuses, taking in 15 to 20 new students each year.
However, this means that only 6 percent of applicants secure a place and leave many young women with no achievable options.
The organization provides a comprehensive leadership program, equipping students with the skills they need to succeed academically, professionally, and as leaders in their communities.
Ms. Rya told Phnom Penh Post: "We offer courses that help students get ready for the job, including skills training, preparing a LinkedIn profile and professional communication."
A key component of the program is "Thoughtful Discussions", where students can debate regional and global issues, enhancing their thinking and public speaking skills.
We don't just want them to graduate, we want them to make a difference in their community and beyond."
For Miss Soni, leadership training has already changed her perspective on what she has done in the past.
Now, I have more confidence to discuss big issues and I want to help other young women like me."
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