Facing challenges head-on, Heng Sokunthea transforms obstacles into opportunities for growth, inspiring her team to rally around a shared vision of empowering girls everywhere.
“I know it’s hard, but I work from the heart. I care deeply for all girls and want to ensure their safety,” Sokunthea said.
As the newly elected president of the Girl’s Leadership Council (GLC) for 2025, Sokunthea has demonstrated true leadership and dedication. Her peers recognised her hard work, entrusting her with the responsibility to lead.
The GLC is a volunteer group, that plays a crucial role in leading campaigns, creating policies, and coordinating the Sisterhood of Change Agents in a social movement to end Online Child Sexual Exploitation (OCSE). With the support of the AusCam Freedom Project, they are equipped to make a real difference.
On 14 February 2025, the GLC launched their campaign “It starts with YOU and ME,” aimed at raising awareness and preventing online OCSE. This initiative successfully brought together over 300 participants, including government officials, non-profit organisations, teachers, and students, all eager to make a difference.
The campaign featured engaging activities, such as a flash mob highlighting the recovery journey of exploited girls, orchestral performances, and presentations on how to report OCSE. Participants actively shared the message through chocolates, stickers, and heart gesture photos, fostering community involvement.
“From one event to another, I notice that we have improved in organising more effectively and creatively,” said Sokunthea. Her leadership has been a catalyst for growth and collaboration within the team.
Despite facing challenges like time constraints and a lack of volunteers, Sokunthea encouraged her team to view these as opportunities for growth. Using innovative facilitation methods, she helped the team align their goals and work together.
The shared vision with AusCam to see girls free from trafficking and exploitation motivates the GLC. She noted that social media, especially Facebook, is a popular platform for children in Cambodia; however, it is also risky for them. According to UNICEF’s Disrupting Harm report, 81% of children can access the internet, but 60% do not know how to use it safely, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation.
“I am worried that if they fall into online sexual exploitation, it can be a nightmare for their childhood,” said Sokunthea.
“During outreach, I heard from participants that many victims don’t report their experiences due to fear of embarrassment and blame,” Sokunthea said.
According to the Disrupting Harm report, UNICEF research indicates that very few cases of online sexual abuse and exploitation are reported to the police. In fact, children who experience online sexual abuse are 2-4 times more likely to self-harm, with Cambodian children being four times more likely to contemplate suicide.
These statistics highlight how vital peer-led campaigns are in educating young people about the dangers of online exploitation and promoting seeking help.
You can become a Hero like Sokunthea too!
You can join Sokunthea and the GLC in their mission to empower girls. Get involved and become a hero in your community: https://changeagents.auscam.org/change-agents/#joinus. Together, we can create a safer future for all girls!