The Ou River, the longest tributary of the Mekong in the Lao PDR, is undergoing massive changes, with seven dams in various stages of construction already affecting the livelihoods of Khmu communities that have resided there for generations. Sabrina Gyorvary recently visited the area with a local guide and recounts her conversations with community members as they recollect their memories of living with the Ou River.
Cambodia’s women fishers concerned about Don Sahong Dam
Women fishers in Kratie Province, Cambodia are concerned about plans for the Don Sahong Dam upstream in Laos. They worry that the river’s fisheries and the endangered Irrawaddy Dolphin will be affected. Working with civil society groups, they have raised their voice through a campaign that has involved both protest and radio shows.
Women seek more influence in protecting Cambodia’s community forests
Women are often at the forefront of protecting forests in the Mekong region. Women are now seeking greater representation and influence in decision-making over the protection and management of community forests.
Women fishers voice concerns about the Tonle Sap in Cambodia
The people of the Kampong Phluk community, a seasonally-flooded wetlands on the Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia, are facing impacts on their culture and livelihood from recent changes in fisheries management and planned dams. Women in the community voice their perspectives and concerns.
The aspirations of a Shan lady for sustainable peace, justice and development
A personal reflection of the aspirations of a Shan lady, Ms. Nang Shining, who is seeking sustainable peace, justice and development in her hometown of Mong Pan, Southern Shan State, Myanmar. She discusses the impacts of recent logging and plans for the Mong Ton (Tasang) dam, and her work building new civil society organizations.
Rocking for their rights: “The Messenger Band” campaigns for workers in Cambodia’s garment industry
Cambodia’s garment industry is replete with stories of mistreatment of workers, inadequate wages and exploitation. An all-woman band calling itself “The Messenger Band” compose and perform their own lyrics and music to share personal stories of affected workers and bring people together to end worker exploitation.
Lawyers defending the public interest
Sor.Rattanamanee Polkla is a public interest lawyer, and co-founder of the Community Resources Centre based in Bangkok. In this article, she talks with Carl Middleton about how public interest lawyers in Thailand work to enforce and reform the law in the interest of the public, case by case.
Thailand’s floodway project needs local participation
Thailand’s government is embarking on a multimillion baht “floodway project” to build a series of dykes and dams for flood management. Ms. Jittra Indrawittayananta, a woman community leader, argues that the project will exacerbate flooding and reminds us that communities need to be part of the decisions on flood infrastructure projects.