Kong Rot, a 42-year-old mother of four from the remote Boeng Cha village, has always felt deeply connected to the forests that surround her home. Living in a small Kouy Indigenous community on an island in the Mekong River, she knows how important these forests are for her family’s survival. Born into poverty and with little formal education, Kong Rot’s journey from a village woman to a respected forest protector is inspiring.
Boeng Cha, home to the Kouy Indigenous community, relies heavily on its forests for survival. These forests provide food, livelihoods, and hold deep cultural significance. But they are under threat, and for years, the village struggled to form a community forestry group that could protect them. In 2019, the Kampong Damrey Protected Area Community was established, and Kong Rot became a key member.
Despite her passion for forest conservation, Kong Rot’s early years as a leader were challenging. She faced gender barriers, often excluded from important meetings due to her role as a mother and the distance to training locations. But that changed in 2021 when FLO, with support from Cord/DPA, launched the EMPOWER project, aimed at empowering women like Kong Rot to take an active role in forest protection.
The project transformed her life. With new skills, confidence, and support from her community, Kong Rot began to lead patrol teams, manage budgets, and coordinate efforts to protect the forest. Under her leadership, the number of women participating in patrols grew from just two to eight out of ten members. Her ability to communicate peacefully with outsiders, negotiate for the forest’s protection, and make decisions has earned her respect from both men and women.
Kong Rot’s story is a great reminder that leadership doesn’t require formal education or titles—it requires courage, determination, and a willingness to stand up for what matters. With FLO’s support, she is not only protecting her community’s forests but also inspiring other women to follow in her footsteps.
In a place where women once felt excluded, Kong Rot now stands as an example of change—proving that anyone, regardless of their background, can make a difference when given the opportunity.