Chhen Chom, 32, from Samraong Tong district in Kampong Speu province, has gone from being a mere worker to actively sharing information about social protection and working to help follow factory workers access benefits.

As an active member of the Cambodian Alliance of Trade Union (CATU), Chhen Chom oversees the wellbeing of his fellow factory workers, particularly in securing healthcare protection through Cambodia’s National Social Security Fund (NSSF).

In 2015, Chom began working in a factory where he witnessed firsthand how many workers were unaware of the importance of the NSSF. Even those who were registered often faced difficulties using the service. This inspired him to encourage his fellow workers to access the benefits provided by NSSF and help them understand that these benefits are their rights.  

Driven by his commitment, Chom has spent the past three years participating in short training courses offered through the FIRST project, implemented by CATU and Oxfam and funded by the European Union. These courses provided him with the knowledge and tools to inform and empower other factory workers.

Despite his busy schedule, Chom actively shares what he learns by conducting awareness sessions to help workers register for and effectively use the NSSF. His efforts have significantly raised awareness and increased engagement among his peers.

While there have been some improvements in how doctors and healthcare services treat workers using the NSSF cards, Chom acknowledges that challenges remain. “Eighty percent of workers still find it difficult to use the service. This is something I want to change”, he said. “What we try to do, and focus on, is how to use this service. To me, the social protection system is a state responsibility that the government must provide for people who, for example, lack income, people with disabilities or single mothers,” Chom said.

One of the biggest obstacles Chom identified is the lack of widespread dissemination of information about social protection. “In my opinion, the government’s efforts to disseminating information are not yet widespread because village and commune levels have not effectively reached people in the countryside,” he said. “Generally, people get information on social media, but most people and workers do not pay much attention to it,” he said.

To address this gap, Chom continues his efforts through CATU, working directly with communities and factory workers to raise awareness. He went on to recommend that institutions involved in social protection establish village-level programs and suggested holding quarterly workshops at the commune level emphasize the importance of social protection, ensuring that low-income individuals can access this life-saving service.

Chom’s dedication to empowering factory workers reflects his passion for ensuring equality and access to essential services. By educating others and advocating for improved access, he hopes to create a system where everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can benefit from their right to social protection.