Finding Our Voice, Creating Change
For too long, survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) have suffered in silence. Many do not know where to seek support, while others fear stigma and judgment. As young people committed to justice, the Asia Young People for Action (AYA) - Cambodia team recognized the urgency of addressing this issue.
Through the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, AYA Cambodia team launched the “Stand By You” campaign—an initiative to raise awareness, amplify survivor voices, and advocate for stronger support systems for women and girl-children. What started as a small initiative evolved into a cross-country movement, bringing together young changemakers from Cambodia, Indonesia, and Myanmar to address GBV collectively.
Leveraging Creativity for Social Impact
To engage communities and highlight the realities of GBV, AYA Cambodia produced three video podcast series and a role-play video featuring real stories of GBV survivors. These videos aimed not only to educate but also to inspire action. The role-play video, in particular, gained significant attention, reaching nearly 5,000 views online.
In addition to the videos, AYA members developed and shared key message posters on social media. The most impactful messages included:
• "I am tired of the time that the unjust are loud, and those who suffer remain silent,”
• "We need a community that fully supports women and girl-children psychologically and legally in ending victim-blaming,"
These messages reflect a critical concern: survivors need more than just awareness—they require tangible support systems to aid their recovery and ensure access to justice.
Expanding the Movement Cross Border
The "Stand By You" campaign extended beyond Cambodia, fostering regional collaboration with young people in Myanmar and Indonesia. In Myanmar, AYA young people shared their messages under the hashtags #StandByYou and #ENDGBV to increase public engagement.
In Indonesia, AYA members collaborated with local organizations to host an online webinar, providing a space for discussion on solutions and survivor support mechanisms.
This collective effort strengthened regional solidarity and created a shared platform for young people to connect, learn, and take action together.
AYA as a Safe Space for Youth Leadership
Beyond the campaign, the initiative reinforced the importance of youth leadership and collective action. AYA members met regularly to plan, discuss, and support one another, creating a space where young people could take ownership of their work and contribute meaningfully to social change.
Through this process, AYA members developed leadership and project management skills, strengthened their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, and gained experience in advocacy, public engagement, and storytelling for social impact.
AYA has become more than just an activism platform—it has evolved into a supportive space for young people to grow, lead, and inspire change in their communities.
Sustaining the Momentum: From Awareness to Action
While the campaign successfully raised awareness, addressing GBV requires sustained efforts and long-term commitments. Moving forward, AYA aims to engage more young people in advocacy and youth-led initiatives. We are continuing to create safe spaces for women, girl-children, and survivors of GBV.
The "Stand By You" campaign demonstrated the power of youth-led initiatives in addressing pressing social issues. By fostering solidarity, promoting awareness, and advocating for change, AYA members reaffirm their commitment to building a society free from violence and discrimination.