Chhean Dourng, a mother of four from Cambodia’s coastal province of Koh Kong, stands as a figure of resilience and strength. By seizing training opportunities, she has improved the economic stability and nutrition of multiple generations. Her story highlights the impact of targeted support for women entrepreneurs, benefiting both their families and communities.
While her daughters have their own families, Dourng cares for her husband and son, both of whom live with disabilities. Despite these personal challenges, she is the backbone of her family’s business, which has been their primary source of income for many years.
In the dry season, the family grows cucumbers and long beans, while during the wet season, they supplement their income with rice and cashew nut cultivation. Their strong community ties have allowed them to cultivate vegetables on shared land, selling fresh produce directly from their farm, with Dourng’s daughters contributing by selling the produce in the district town of Sre Ambel.
Yet, despite her efforts, Dourng faced barriers in scaling her business. Though she was an experienced farmer, the lack of business management knowledge left her unable to expand or boost profits. The seasonal nature of farming also left her family vulnerable during the wet season, making financial stability a constant struggle.
Where others only saw challenges, she found an opportunity to rise.
Co-Action: From Struggles to Strength
Under the EU co-funded CO-SAVED project, Action Education / Aide et Action (AEA) steps in to empower women like her by supporting training in business management, marketing, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship in coastal regions. Dourng joined the Coastal Incubator Program for Women Entrepreneurs with Disabilities in 2023, implemented by our local partner, Agile Development Group.
The program aimed to equip her with the tools necessary to transform her business idea into a sustainable venture. She participated in workshops covering business planning, financial management, and essential soft skills such as leadership, communication, and decision-making.
As a result, Dourng unlocked her entrepreneurial potential. She learned how to craft a solid business plan, manage finances, and use tools like budgeting and bookkeeping. Notably, she gained the confidence to pitch her business ideas to potential investors. Through Co-impact Investment, Dourng also received critical material support—seeds, fertilizers, nets, and irrigation equipment—empowering her to expand her agricultural activities.
Co-Impact: The Power of Women’s Empowerment
Today, Chhean Dourng’s agricultural business is thriving. Armed with new knowledge and tools, she expanded her vegetable cultivation and installed an irrigation system, allowing her to grow vegetables year-round and significantly increase production. This growth has led to a steady increase in income and improved nutrition for her family.
Chhean Dourng is particularly proud of her ability to grow vegetables without harmful chemicals, emphasizing the health benefits of her produce. “People should buy my vegetables because I grow them with standard technical skills. I don’t use chemicals that could harm consumers’ health. My cucumbers and beans are crunchy and tasty,” she says.
What matters most is that Dourng has transformed her mindset. She is now more decisive, sets clearer business goals, and has developed the ability to identify both her strengths and areas for improvement. The skills she gained have not only impacted her immediate family but also her daughters and their children, strengthening the economic stability and nutrition of multiple generations.
Her story proves that, with the right knowledge and tools, women can rise above any challenge, and build a future of empowerment.
