Social Enterprise, start-ups & gender equality dialogue in Cambodia

As part of the Youth Entrepreneurs & Leaders Speaker series, Australia now together with the Australian Embassy Phnom Penh and Social Good Outpost kicked off a program of thought-provoking workshops in Cambodia.  Curated by Social Good Outpost, the week long series is part of an 18-month public dialogue program running across the ASEAN region to showcase the vitality and innovative ability of our youth, foster collaboration and exchange, and build relationships for the future.

The sister-led team at Social Good Outpost, Lara and Elise Stephenson, worked with a number of local organisations such as SHE Investments, Impact Hub, Cambodian Centre for Human Rights, Politikoffee and Future Forum, on topics ranging from gender, creativity and design, to social enterprise. “Like Australia, Cambodia has a social enterprise scene that is really beginning to thrive. Social enterprise is such an interesting and empowering way of tackling social issues, from poverty and disenfranchisement, to gender equality.”

“Young people are smart, energetic and driven. So much magic happens when you bring young people together to think and collaborate. That’s what we are trying to do with our program here in Cambodia,” said Elise Stephenson – Curator of the program,  Director of Social Good Outpost and former New Colombo Plan scholar.

The week long program of workshops and events saw Social Good Outpost and the Australian Embassy engage directly with almost 300 young people, focussing heavily on skills and knowledge transfer, with some participants travelling more than four hours to attend.  Participants were incredibly engaged, sharing stories and experiences on a range of issues including women’s leadership in politics, social entrepreneurship, communication around LGBTI+ awareness, diversity and empowerment.

The team at Social Good Outpost will take their Youth Entrepreneurs & Leaders speaker series to Laos next.  Highlights include ‘Bullying & Youth Mental Health‘ dialogue with youth, local schools and NGOs, along with workshops and panel discussions with local LGBTI and human rights groups and the Australian Embassy on LGBTI+ rights, progress and empowerment.

Photos: Impact Hub, Phnom Penh, Courtesy Australian Embassy, Phnom Penh