Being a survivor is one thing. Having a formal role in shaping the decisions that affect other survivors is something else entirely.
As a member of the Project Steering Committee, one survivor from Kampot province took on a responsibility she had not held before - representing her community, validating project decisions, and advocating for the official recognition of the Older People's Association by the Commune Council.
That recognition came. And with it, something larger: a commitment from local authorities to provide annual financial support to the association - ensuring that survivors would continue to receive support beyond the life of the project.
"As a member of the Steering Committee, I helped secure official recognition for the OPA from the Commune Council, restoring dignity and providing a voice to survivors. I am proud that our collective efforts resulted in the allocation of national budget resources to support OPA operations, directly benefitting survivors and strengthening community resilience."
Her story is a reminder that survivor-centered work is not only about support - it is about power, agency, and the right of those most affected to shape their own future.
