NGOs want more support for women in entertainment
π September 24, 2020
Five NGOs who work to protect women launched a research report yesterday on the impact of COVID-19 on female entertainment workers, which has revealed that some are struggling with their income.
Representatives of the the NGOs – Women’s Network for Unity (WNU), Worker’s Information Center (WIC), Social Action for Community and Development (SACD), The Messenger Band (MB), and Cambodian Grassroots Cross-Sector Network/People Action for Development (PAD) – were present at the launch of the report.
They presented the findings of COVID-19 impact assessments and surveys within local communities. The aim was to encourage immediate support and intervention for female entertainment workers who have lost their income, as well as to facilitate communication between citizens and relevant stakeholders.
According to the research, 130 entertainment workers in Phnom Penh, Banteay Meanchey and Kandal province were interviewed.
Ninety-three percent of the interviewees said that COVID-19 is impacting their income due to job losses and suspensions.
The research found that 45 percent of interviewees said they lacked food security and 71.54 percent said that they are in debt due to COVID-19.
Ly Vyna, from WNU, said the women are appealing to the government to support them by providing some allowance to help with rent, electricity and water bills.
WNU suggests that house owners reduce their rents by at least 50 percent and entertainment venue owners give their suspended workers an allowance.
“If COVID-19 continues, the entertainment workers will face more serious circumstances. They face losing their jobs, having no income, and getting into debt” Vyna said.
She added that some of them have left the city to go to their family homes.
In June, a group of entertainment workers asked the Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Women’s Affairs and the Council Minister, three times to provide $40 for being suspended from work, but their requests were rejected.
The requests from the all-female group come after the government ordered the closure of KTV establishments and nightclubs in response to COVID-19.
Minister of Labour, Ith Samheng, has issued a letter to the group encouraging them to find new jobs. The ministry also said the government already has a subsidy package in place for families adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“If COVID-19 continues, the entertainment workers will face more serious circumstances. They face losing their jobs, having no income, and getting into debt” Vyna said.
She added that some of them have left the city to go to their family homes.
In June, a group of entertainment workers asked the Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Women’s Affairs and the Council Minister, three times to provide $40 for being suspended from work, but their requests were rejected.
The requests from the all-female group come after the government ordered the closure of KTV establishments and nightclubs in response to COVID-19.
Minister of Labour, Ith Samheng, has issued a letter to the group encouraging them to find new jobs. The ministry also said the government already has a subsidy package in place for families adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pot Chamrong, an entertainment worker, said the government has allowed KTVs and entertainment venues to re-open as restaurants.
Link: Khmer Times
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