Ms. Ros Sinae, 38 years old, widow with 4 children,l elected as a Commune Councilor on February 3 rd ., 2002.

Her education is limited because she is from a poor family living in the remote area about 86 kilometers from Kompong Thom town. Besides, the Cambodian tradition forbids young girls to commute. She finished her 5 th grade at the local primary school.

Emerging in the leadership role with limited education and no work experiences, Ms. Ros Sinae went to work with fear and hopelessness. She had to do because she was selected by the party to be a candidate and then officially elected. She encountered many problems. She had the feeling that her male counterparts looked down on her, and her people had no confidence in her. She also admitted that she had many weaknesses, her poor appearance and clothing, her attitude and posture, gesture, and communication skills. She struggled very hard to overcome all those barriers and to build up confidence, which was a very tough job.

Then, she brought all those problems to the forum. With skilled facilitators from the WFP, the forum has served as a problem solving floor, support system and training in a pleasant and friendly atmosphere. During the session, she paid attention to all details to absorb what was taught with the intention to put into practice in her commune. Combining with the trainings from the provincial Women's Affairs, she has fully developed. Finally, she gets the recognition from all her male counterparts and her people. She was selected to be head of the Commune Women's Affairs and children and also member of the Bids Committee. She spoke with big smile that the WFP has reformed her and she feels grateful for that.

Now, she is very popular. She is able to organize the Councilors meeting, identify problems and find solutions and resources to help. She fully participates in the decision making body for the commune. As a female councilor, she gives priority to women and children. She helped 6 children, whose parents always went far away from home for months to find works. With no supports and care, the children had become stray kids and involved in some bad activities. Ms. Ms. Ros Sinae persistently explained to the parents on the value of the education and children's needs, which also the responsibilities of the parents. Children need to grow physically and mentally to become good citizens for the nation. Now, all those kids are in school and the parents seriously consider their parenting role. They follow up their children's education by checking their school work regularly and providing supports, love, and care. This is a good model for the commune.

Ms. Ros Sinae has improved in every way. With her new communication ability and work results, she gains trust from the people. Recently, she was selected to be a member of the executive committee of the commune councilor association of the Sundann District, Kompong Thom province, in charge of revenues including collecting and depositing in the provincial treasure for the development of the communes as needed. With her firm dedication for her commune, she commits to continue her leadership role and will run again in the next election to fulfill her people expectation. She strongly hopes that the WFP will continue to hold her hand through difficulties during her next term.

She believes that with the right supports, the Cambodian women of commitment and goals, even with little education can advance themselves to be equal partners to men.