Shortly before the launch of the social label “Femmes des rizières”, we would like to take the opportunity to introduce these Femmes des rizières – the women of the rice fields – who serve as inspiration for the creation of this brand.
Sophan is a 25-year-old Khmer woman. She has been living with her two younger sisters in the Safe House in Battambang since 2010. They share a room with 14 other girls. On a typical day, they get up between 05:00 and 05:30 to do chores with the younger girls before they go to school. Sophan graduated from school four years ago and is now in her third year at the University of Battambang, where she is studying economics and majoring in management. She also attends the computer courses offered at the Safe House in the mornings and afternoons. She also works as an English teacher for the younger children. She tries to make her lessons exciting and varied, so there is always dancing, singing and playing – in English, of course! At the weekend, she spends at least two hours working on her English skills. In her free time, she likes to go on long bike rides in the rice fields or just hang out with her friends from the Safe House. She is a very talented photographer and a real bookworm. She also enjoys playing volleyball. Her younger sister is 22 years old and is also already studying and has chosen English as her main subject. She already works as an English teacher at Safe House. The youngest sister is very shy and still attends school. She likes to draw and dance. Sophan says that all three have changed a lot since arriving at Safe House and they have grown into lovely, intelligent and well-educated young women who are determined to move towards a better future.
