LocationsUnlocking the Potential of Marginalized Youth for Inclusive Development
January 7, 2025
"People used to laugh at me in the streets, and even my family struggled to accept the real me,” recalls Chhoeuy Bun Cheen, a transgender woman.
Growing up as the youngest of seven siblings in a traditional family in Siem Reap Province, Cambodia, Bun Cheen, 27, knows firsthand the challenges of marginalization and discrimination. Despite these obstacles, her passion for community work inspired her to volunteer with local organizations, including Star Kampuchea and the Youth Council of Cambodia, using her voice to empower her community.
As an engaged young person, Bun Cheen participated in UNDP’s project, Strengthening Transparency and Accountability in Local Governance through Civic Engagement (STA), co-funded by the Government of Japan. The project aims to strengthen civic engagement and promote transparency in local governance.
Her involvement in the project enabled her to gain knowledge about her and her community's rights (as rights-holders), access to public services, and SDG localization. "The training made me braver and more knowledgeable. I learned that I have the right to access information about public services, and I can help others do the same," she says.
A Voice for Change
The project gave Bun Cheen a platform to engage with her community and amplify their voice. It created spaces for her to connect with people, advocate for their rights, and actively participate in local governance.
In her role as a young volunteer, Bun Cheen raises awareness about citizens’ rights and facilitates dialogue with local authorities. During awareness-raising sessions, she collects feedback on critical issues such as poor road conditions, the lack of streetlighting, improper waste management, and inadequate education facilities. She brings these concerns to Sangkat and municipal meetings, advocating with Sub-National Administrations for improved public services and accountability.
Impact on the Ground
Bun Cheen has witnessed significant changes in her community. Citizens who once felt disconnected from local institutions now approach her with their concerns. She developed a better understanding of their rights and is actively advocating on their behalf for improvements. "For example, some families were struggling with renewing their ID Poorcard to access social protection services. By raising this issue at Sangkat meetings, we were able to push for better access to information and support," she explains.
Her journey highlights the transformative power of youth engagement and the importance of inclusive governance that listens to all voices—especially marginalized individuals often left unheard—slowly developing a culture of dialogue and participation at the local level. "Being able to stand up and speak for my community, especially as someone who has faced discrimination, shows that we all have a role to play in our society," she says.
"I encourage everyone, especially young people, to get involved in their communities. By working together, we can make sure our voices are heard and create a better future for all."