Cambodia-National Rescue Party

Ni Tong, 17, carves a decorative vessel out of wood in Prongil village, Aug. 22, 2009. (RFA/Mondol Keo)

Carved wooden vessels are stored for sale in Prongil village, Aug. 22, 2009. (RFA/Mondol Keo)

2009-08-26
Radio Free Asia

Women in remote Cambodian villages are turning to woodcarving as a new way to raise their standard of living.

BANGKOK—Woodcarving has emerged as a way for women in Cambodia’s remote villages to improve their lives, despite the difficulties associated with living far from traditional centers of commerce.

In Cambodia’s western Pursat province, 23-year-old Uk Srey Mom carves a piece of wood into the shape of a traditional water bowl and proudly announces that her family of five can finally enjoy a better living, even though they don’t own land for rice farming.

Srey Mom, a resident of Prongil commune in Pursat’s Phnom Kravanh district, says she is saving the money she earns from woodcarving to learn how to sew for a living.

“If I work hard, I can earn nearly 200,000 riel (U.S. $50.00) [per month]. If I don’t work too hard, I earn only 150,000 riel (U.S. $37.50) or 100,000 riel (U.S. $25.00).”

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