Young Cambodian women challenge expectations
The chbab srey (rules for girls) are being challenged in Cambodia where rapid cultural change is happening.
Chbab srey is informally taught in some schools and focuses on women’s behaviour including three rules related to skirts. Showing legs to men is considered shameful.
Some young women are challenging expectations of traditional dress.
Min Jany is 19 and has become a Cambodian celebrity and has started baring skin on social media.
“Sometimes I wear a bikini and post it on Instagram – the rest of the world can accept that, but not Cambodia,” she explained. “On social media, I usually get support.”
Many people see the government’s “education” on appearance as gender discrimination.
