Starting Point
From the resilient heart of Banteay Meanchey Province, a region etched with the stories of Cambodia’s past, emerged Kimchhy Chhen, a woman whose life’s narrative is interwoven with a profound dedication to building bridges and nurturing peace. Her journey, spanning over six impactful years, has been marked by an unwavering commitment to empowering youth, championing gender equality, and fostering understanding across Cambodia’s diverse ethnic tapestry. Currently, Kimchhy channels her passion and expertise as the Peace Project Coordinator at Women Peace Makers (WPM). This role allows her to spearhead initiatives designed to cultivate inclusive and sustainable communities where the voices of all are not only heard but truly valued.
Kimchhy’s commitment extends beyond the formal structures of her work at WPM. Driven by a deep-seated belief in the power of collective action, she co-founded the Civic Engagement Youth Group. This vital platform empowers young Cambodians to become active participants in shaping their society. Furthermore, her insightful guidance and strategic thinking make her a key advisor to the Network of Interethnic Peace Ambassadors (NIPA). This vibrant youth-led network fearlessly traverses cultural divides, fostering dialogue and building lasting peace across Cambodia’s rich mosaic of communities. Her academic foundation, a Bachelor's degree in Social Work earned from the esteemed Royal University of Phnom Penh, provides a robust theoretical framework for her practical endeavours. Driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge and a deeper understanding of the complexities of conflict, Kimchhy is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Applied Conflict Transformation Studies at the renowned Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, further sharpening her ability to navigate and resolve intricate societal challenges.
Her dedication to continuous growth and professional development is evident in her impressive array of training experiences. Kimchhy has honed her skills through intensive programs at globally recognised institutions such as the Northeast Asia Regional Peacebuilding Institute (NARPI), the Mindanao Peacebuilding Institute, and the Institute for Economics and Peace. These transformative experiences have equipped her with a comprehensive and nuanced skill set encompassing adept project management, the art of crafting impactful curricula, the power of nonviolent communication, skilled mediation techniques, and effective community organising strategies. As an unwavering advocate for the fundamental principles of peace, justice, and inclusion, Kimchhy Chhen stands as a beacon of inspiration, tirelessly mentoring and empowering the next generation of young leaders to become the very catalysts for positive change that their communities so urgently need.
Peace Journey
Kimchhy’s journey as a peacebuilder is deeply intertwined with her identity as a woman navigating the complexities of a post-conflict society. Her work at the intersection of gender, youth empowerment, and conflict transformation is not merely a profession but a deeply personal calling. It stems from a profound understanding that true peace transcends the mere absence of violence; it necessitates the active presence of equity, genuine healing, and tangible opportunities for all members of society. In her role as the Peace Project Coordinator at WPM, Kimchhy leads initiatives that specifically engage young people, particularly those from marginalised and interethnic backgrounds, nurturing their capacity for nonviolent communication, peer mediation, and the kind of leadership that fosters positive and sustainable peace. Through dedicated facilitation, empathetic mentorship, and inclusive dialogue, she has witnessed firsthand the remarkable transformative power of youth-led action as it unfolds within the confines of classrooms, across the diverse landscapes of communities, and even within the structures of established institutions. Kimchhy firmly believes that when young people, especially young women, are equipped with the right tools, unwavering support, and genuine opportunities, they become formidable agents of meaningful and lasting change.
As a woman and a proud member of the LGBTQI+ community, Kimchhy’s navigation of the peacebuilding space has required not only immense courage and profound empathy but also an unshakeable belief in the fundamental importance of authentic representation. She has come to understand that her identity is not a hindrance but rather a powerful source of strength, bringing a unique authenticity and fostering deeper connections with the communities she serves. It enables her to cultivate truly inclusive spaces where individuals feel genuinely seen, deeply heard, and ultimately empowered to embrace leadership roles and drive positive transformation within their own lives and the lives of those around them.
Success Stories
Through her dedicated work, Kimchhy has learned that the pursuit of peace extends far beyond the mere prevention of overt conflict. It necessitates a fundamental reimagining of relationships, a conscious and deliberate restoration of dignity where it has been eroded by injustice, and the persistent nurturing of hope in even the most challenging and seemingly intractable circumstances. Within communities grappling with the enduring legacies of ethnic tensions or the insidious effects of gender-based discrimination, Kimchhy has been profoundly moved by the extraordinary courage displayed by women and young people who actively choose the path of healing over the perpetuation of hate, and the principles of meaningful cooperation over the destructive impulse of control. Their powerful stories serve as the unwavering fuel for Kimchhy’s resolve, constantly reinforcing her deep commitment to advocating for systems that prioritise care, enshrine equity, and amplify the collective power of communities to shape their peaceful futures.
Kimchhy understands that the journey of peacebuilding is rarely linear or straightforward. It is often intricate, deeply emotional, and unfolds in quiet yet profoundly significant ways. Yet, through the inspiring stories of teachers equipped with the skills of mediation, young people skillfully facilitating crucial community dialogues, and women bravely finding their voices and claiming their rightful space in traditionally male-dominated spheres, Kimchhy is continually reminded that sustainable peace is not built on grand pronouncements or lofty ideals alone, but rather on the strong foundation of genuine human relationships and rooted in the everyday acts of courage undertaken by ordinary individuals striving for a better future.
At her core, Kimchhy Chhen is a young woman deeply committed to the vital and ongoing work of peacebuilding in Cambodia. She walks alongside communities with an open heart and a truly listening ear, dedicating herself each day to contributing to the creation of a more just, inclusive, and compassionate society for all its members. She stands with profound gratitude on the shoulders of the remarkable women who have paved the way before her. She walks in unwavering solidarity beside a vibrant and determined generation of young leaders who share a powerful vision for a future where peace is not merely an aspiration but a lived reality – one that is inclusive, truly transformative, and enduring for generations to come. Kimchhy’s life and work are guided by a fundamental and deeply held belief: peace is not a distant destination to be reached, but an ongoing, daily practice rooted in the principles of justice, nurtured by the power of compassion, and sustained by our collective and unwavering hope for a brighter tomorrow.