A Young Voice for Change: Somea’s Journey to Safeguard Cambodian Girls Online

“I think that presenting in front of the government can help a lot of children,” says Somea*, a 16-year-old Change Agent from Phnom Penh. Her words beautifully capture the power of youth like her, who are leveraging their skills to create meaningful change. Somea embodies this vision: a Cambodia where every girl can navigate the online world safely. “What motivates me is my determination to help girls in Cambodia,” Somea shares, “I think we as girls can be a big part of the solution because we can empathise with other girls.” This profound empathy, combined with her growing skills, fuels her unwavering commitment. 🌟

A Passion for Change

Somea’s journey as a change agent began in June 2023, when a pop-up advertisement on the Facebook page of Auscam Freedom Project, a key partner of Terre des Hommes Netherlands, caught her eye. It was an invitation to take part in the Safety for Children and the Rights OnLine (SCROL) project in Cambodia, an opportunity that resonated deeply with her existing interest in community work. The SCROL project, aimed to empower young people to combat Online Child Sexual Exploitation (OCSE), provided the perfect platform for Somea to develop vital skills in awareness raising and advocacy.

Even before joining Auscam, Somea had a remarkable history of community services. She was an active volunteer in various youth activities and regularly showcased her sharp mind in software coding competitions. For Somea, empowering others isn’t just a hobby; it’s a fundamental part of who she is. “In my free time, I like to help society, like participating in projects like I am doing now,” she explains, highlighting her inherent drive to contribute, a drive that the SCROL project helped channel into tangible skills.

From Awareness to Action

Under the SCROL project, Somea’s dedication truly comes to the fore. She became deeply committed to all aspects of the programme, from planning initiatives to raising crucial awareness and advocating for change. Working alongside her friends, she channels her creativity into designing impactful posters and engaging content for Auscam’s Facebook page. Through these efforts, they effectively spread vital information, empowering other young people with awareness about online safety.

A pivotal moment in Somea’s journey, one that she recalls with pride, was her active participation in a national consultation in Siem Reap. This was a crucial event aimed at reviewing Cambodia’s five-year action plan to address Online Child Sexual Exploitation (OCSE). Somea, representing the voices of children alongside peers from other organisations, bravely stepped onto a national stage. The SCROL programme had equipped her with the confidence and public speaking skills to ensure the perspectives of youth were not just heard, but truly understood.

A Powerful Voice for Systemic Change

With remarkable confidence, Somea addressed a large and influential audience. High-level officials from the Ministry of Social Affairs, the Cambodian National Council for Children, and representatives from the United Nations listened intently as she spoke. For 15 powerful minutes, she passionately articulated key recommendations from children for systemic change to combat OCSE. These suggestions, developed through her work with the SCROL project, included:

• Teaching OCSE prevention in schools – because every child deserves to know how to stay safe online.
• Creating child-friendly reporting spaces – where every young one can speak up without fear.

Her words carried weight. These two, along with 13 other recommendations, will be incorporated into the draft of Cambodia’s national statement at the 2025 UN Violence Against Children Conference in Latin America, where they will contribute to global discussions on child protection, amplifying youth voices at the highest levels.

The Power of Youth Solidarity

Somea reflects on her experience with the SCROL project as truly transformative. “After participating in the SCROL project, I have gained a lot of experience, met a lot of people,” she shares, with a sense of accomplishment in her voice. She acknowledges the challenges faced: “Even though we encountered a lot of obstacles, we (change agents) stuck together and were even able to communicate with the government.” Their shared resilience and collective spirit, bolstered by the practical skills developed through the SCROL programme, were the cornerstones of her team’s success.

Her dream for the future?

“My wish for myself is to be a girl who can help society, who can be a brave and knowledgeable girl to help the nation.”

Why Somea’s Story Matters

Somea’s story is a vivid example of the incredible impact young change agents are having through initiatives like SCROL. By empowering and equipping young people like Somea with the youth leadership and essential skills they need, we act as catalysts for systemic change, ensuring that the voices of those most affected are at the heart of solutions for a safer, more equitable world.

*name changed to protect identity