PHNOM PENH: While half of the world’s population is comprised of men, men control the vast majority of power, influence, and money. Women are often overlooked, and gender inequality continues to be a pressing issue in Cambodia and around the world.

More than 80% of Cambodians live in rural areas. Many girls in the province are encouraged to stop school early and get married. Boys, on the other hand, can continue to go to public school or study with monks.

Meta House, believing in using art for social change, have traveled to several provinces in Cambodia to perform the play 'I Am a Daughter' to over 60,000 students.

Performed by two people, this play follows the struggles of Neary, a young girl who wishes to continue her studies into higher education, while her family disproves and urges her to get married to a man nearly twice her age. This play also explores women’s rights, family disapproval, and domestic violence.

Vouchleng, the facilitator at Meta House, has said that although the play focuses on women, she has seen men in the audience who have shown interest in playing a more active role in achieving gender equality. She hopes that the next generation of girls will learn to be their own drivers, have their own independence and go wherever they wish.

Kym Dyna, the playwright, has added that she hopes the next generation of girls will get to follow their hearts and do what they love.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, Meta House presents 'I Am a Daughter', a recording of an original play funded by the Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung Southeast Asia. You can catch a screening of the play at Meta House this Tuesday, 8 March 2022, at 7:30 PM.