manual: women workers' rights and gender equality - International ...

Step 4
• Ask the participants to listen to the following story carefully:
Leakhena is working in a factory. She is married for almost two years but living alone. Her
husband went to the Middle East to work almost a year ago. There is a really nice guy living
close by, he is always very friendly and helpful to her. He sometimes gives her small
presents to make her happy and feel less alone without her husband, he says. Some
weeks ago she went with him and they made love, now she is pregnant. She wants to have
an abortion.
Step 5
• Discuss the following issues:
- What kind of problem does Leakhena have?
- What is the general opinion about girls with such a problem?
- Do you agree with Leakhena?
- Is it allowed what Leakhena does?
- Do you know what happens to Leakhena if someone finds out?
- What would you do in this case?
Step 6
• Ask the group what differences they can find between the two stories (answer: unwanted sex
versus wanted but unsafe sex with the result of becoming pregnant):
- For whom do they feel more sympathy and why?
- Do they think it is an easy decision for women to go for an abortion?
- Why or why not?
Step 7
• Summarize the discussion and emphasize that there are different situations in which women
may want an abortion. Of course people have their responsibilities and having safe sex always
is one of them. However, a woman should have a chance to decide on her own. Remind
participants also of incest or rape cases or of the situation of sex workers who are often forced
to have unsafe sex.
Notes for the trainer
The following definition of abortion is given in the Abortion Law: Abortion is the termination of
pregnancy by medical means or by any means.
Abortion Law
There is a separate law on abortion in Cambodia. All pregnant women can ask for an abortion from
a medical person when the following criteria are met:
- the pregnancy is less than 12 weeks
Or, if it is more than 12 weeks:
- the pregnancy is abnormal, growing unusually or creates a risk to the woman’s life
- after birth the child can have a serious incurable disease
- in the case that the woman has been raped
In any case the abortion must be requested and accepted by the pregnant woman. Counseling
must be provided to the pregnant woman about possible dangers and all records must be kept
confidentially. If you are younger than 18 years of age your parents or guardians can make the
request.
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