‘Save Mommy’ exhibition opens to support women facing domestic violence

The Angkor Art Gallery officially opened its charity art exhibition at the Point Community Mall under the theme ‘Save Mommy’, to support women and children who are victims of domestic violence and sheltered at the Cambodian Women’s Crisis Centre (CWCC).

The exhibition was made possible through the close cooperation of the Angkor Art Gallery and Marum Estate, a real estate company, financially benefitting CWCC, in order to help women subjected to all forms of violence, including physical, mental, and sexual violence.

The paintings are by Cambodian female artists and on display from May 12 to July 31.

Entrance is free and the paintings are available for sale, each piece tells a story of resilience and empowerment, and the money in part will go to supporting the women and the CWCC.

Speaking at the opening yesterday, Zhi Ying, Co-Founder and CEO of the Angkor Art Gallery, said that the exhibition will allow the public to enjoy the art but also to help vulnerable women and children and make meaningful changes in the community.

“We are here today to support a cause that touches the lives of many; we are here not just to enjoy the beautiful art but also to make a real difference for mothers and children who need our help,” said Zhi.

Zhi considered ‘Save Mommy’ as something more than just an art exhibition, but a crucial initiative to support CWCC, especially at the Banteay Meanchey shelter.

“Unfortunately, this shelter, which provides safety and recovery for women and children who have endured domestic violence, sexual abuse, and trafficking, lacks dedicated funders,” she said.

“Funding will offer them essential services, including legal aid, psychological counselling, and vocational training, to help them rebuild their lives,” she added.

The Executive Director of CWCC, Thak Socheat, said that the event plays an important role in supporting the centre for the provision of services to women in need of help.

“This event will support the provision of those services,” said Socheat.

“This is very meaningful to the needs of female survivors in Banteay Meanchey, where services are limited,” she said.

“We can help around 60 female victims obtain legal counselling and also file complaints if they decide to do so,” she added.

During their recovery at CWCC, women and girls are housed in a safe shelters with meals, clothing, healthcare, and other essential items, she said.

“We also provide life skills training for women, along with education to obtain knowledge on understanding their human rights,” she added.

As an organisation that was founded and registered with the Ministry of Interior in 1997, CWCC’s goal is to help women help themselves. The CWCC’s overall purpose is to contribute to the empowerment of vulnerable women and girls through protection, prevention, and advocacy in order to promote a peaceful, gender-equitable, and a compassionate society.

Their work expanded steadily, with offices opening in Banteay Meanchey in 1999 and Siem Reap in 2001 and branching out from social and emergency assistance to legal protection, prevention, and advocacy work at both the national and international level.