Amid the bustling streets and serene temples of Siem Reap province, Siem Has is carving out a unique role as a champion for the city’s overlooked tourism workers. She serves as a facilitator, ensuring the voices of workers are heard and their rights are protected.

Whether they are tuk-tuk drivers navigating narrow alleys, street vendors catering to visitors, or small business owners keeping the city alive, Siem is there to guide them, encourage their participation in their communities and help them access information to improve their livelihoods.

At 39, Siem is more than just an advocate – she is a catalyst for change for more than 600 Cambodia Labour Confederation (CLC) members she represents. Siem’s dedication stems from her personal journey of transformation through the FIRST project, implemented by CLC and Oxfam. The trainings equipped her with deep knowledge about citizen rights inspiring her to advocate for her community and guide them toward solutions that improve their livelihoods. The project has also built her confidence and developed her ability to communicate effectively with a range of people including government officials.

Siem’s work focuses on helping tourism workers address challenges with confidence and clarity. She offers clear and actionable steps to help members navigate problems, sharing effective recommendations and drawing on her knowledge and experience. Her leadership style is marked by confidence, composure and a collaborative approach. These skills allow her to inspire others and provide practical solutions to the obstacles they face.

“Sometimes, I go directly to meet local authorities and other parties to solve the problem. I’ve seen that problems can be solved in the moment without taking a long process once members are well educated and know how to respond to challenges,” she adds.

Despite her achievements, Siem acknowledges that challenges remain. Misunderstandings between her members and local authorities can create tension. While some situations can feel intimidating, she remains committed to peaceful and productive dialogue, reassuring her community that solutions can be found through collaboration.

“"The road ahead may bring new challenges. While things are running smoothly now, I fear that without continued support from Oxfam, our progress may stall. Ongoing collaboration is crucial to help us face whatever challenges come next"”

Siem

Siem believes that additional support from stakeholders could strengthen her efforts. “Workshops and seminars can provide us with the skills to navigate challenging situations peacefully and productively,” she recommended. These opportunities would enable her and her members to address issues more effectively while maintaining confidence and resilience.

Siem knows the road ahead may bring new challenges. While things are running smoothly now, she fears that without ongoing support, progress could stall. That’s why she emphasizes the importance of continued collaboration with organizations like Oxfam. With the right resources, Siem believes she can help her community face whatever challenges come next.