Back to Annual Meeting

Back to Annual Meeting

APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Socheat Chi, Reproductive Health Program, CARE Cambodia, House 52, Street 352, Boeung Keng Kang, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 855 23 215 167, socheat.chi@care-cambodia.org

Background: Engaging women to promote and sell beer in entertainment venues is a common way to market brands in Cambodia. With an increase in the number of consumers, and more beer brands entering the market comes more competition and demand for women to serve a predominantly male clients in outlets. Reported cases of verbal, physical and sexual harassment and abuse are rife within beer promoters (BP). Objective: To increase understanding about the working experience of beer promoters; create a legal definition of sexual harassment, and quantify the prevalence, severity and frequency of sexual harassment. Method: A survey on sexual harassment was conducted with 640 BPs in Cambodia. Audio-assisted Self-administered Interview was used for this sensitive research to ensure high accuracy, private & anonymous, time efficient & low cost. Result: In the survey, 83% reported to have ever experienced derogatory behavior, 80% unwanted sexual touching, 54% physical abuse, 60% have ever been threatened, and 38% have had to perform a coerced sexual act. Such harassment and abuse contravenes human rights; it also contravenes Cambodian law. Almost all harassment and abuse occurs at the table when serving the customer/s. Nearly all BPs admitted to drink beer while working (91%). Only half of beer promoters (53%) were aware that excessive drinking could be dangerous to their health. Conclusion: A holistic approach is needed for the improvements to the working conditions and human rights of beer promotion women. This needs the joint effort of all sectors including public sector, civil society and private sector.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to

• Assess the situation of beer promoters in Cambodia, how they encounter sexual harassment and abuse in their workplace every night.
• Discuss how human rights violation affect public health issue, especially in this specific case of beer promoters in Cambodia, where health education and promotion alone do not prove to be effective.

Keywords: Human Rights, Sexual Assault

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation