Evictions and Resistance in Cambodia: Five women tell their stories
In 2011, Natalie Bugalski coordinated and authored a publication for Amnesty International called Evictions and Resistance in Cambodia: Five women tell their stories. Through poignant and beautiful photos by Todd Brown and words by Natalie, the publication traces the lives of five Cambodian women, Hong, Mai, Sophal, Heap and Vanny who have faced or continue to resist forced eviction from their homes and land. Forced evictions frequently lead to the breakdown of community networks and informal support systems relied upon by women in their daily lives. They often mean disruption of children’s education, diminished access to health services and a deterioration of the family’s mental and physical well-being. Because many victims of forced eviction are resettled in areas far from urban centers and work opportunities, husbands spend long stretches of time away from their families, leaving their wives to cope alone with daily household chores and family needs. Nonetheless these women have developed coping strategies for themselves and as the primary caregivers for their family. The women whose stories are told have faced forced eviction, or continue to resist eviction and removal from their land, with a mix of fear and bravery, anger and calm resolve.
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