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| AMARA staff lead a training exercise |
AMARA was founded in 1994. The organisation provides training in human rights, women's rights and democratic development and promotes and educates on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, and Cambodian laws relating to discrimination and gender issues.
Initially based in Sisophon in Northwest Cambodia AMARA carried out advocacy and training for villagers in its target communities. In 1999 AMARA changed it's focus to provide training for district officials and from 2001 commenced training for commune council candidates and community leaders, in particular women.
Prior to selecting target communes AMARA conducts pre-assessment studies. Training in chosen communes focuses on women's legal rights including the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, articles from the Cambodian constitution, marriage law, land law, and laws against human trafficking and domestic violence. Trainees are also given training in leadership, good governance and the decentralisation of local government. The training includes opportunities to lead village meetings.Mission - to mobilise Cambodian women and build their capacity to participate in politics, public affairs and development.
NPA's partnership with AMARA started in 2001 when NPA helped to fund training for commune council candidates. After the election
the programme concentrated on training and developing the leadership skills of commune council members, especially women council
members.
