For Ou Sokphanna, who lost her leg to a landmine explosion when she was young, opportunities for income generation have always been limited, with widespread discrimination preventing her from entering into wage employment. Despite this, Sokphanna is the primary breadwinner for her family, shouldering the responsibility for supporting her three children and her husband, who also lives with a disability. Having lost both her parents from a young age, Sokphanna is no stranger to self-reliance, and has demonstrated a high level of resilience in the face of adversity.

Today, from her home in a small village located an hour outside of Siem Reap City in Cambodia, Sokphanna plys her trade in wood carving. “Starting my own business was a good option. I no longer face discrimination, I’m able to support my family and I’ve grown in confidence,” she explained.

Previously, Sokphanna and her family lived in the city, where the mother of three worked selling noodles. However, ongoing discrimination and financial constraints pushed the family to make a new life for themselves in a small nearby village. Seeing increased opportunities for income generation in the handicraft trade, Sokphanna developed her skills in carving with support from her husband, and took her products to the local market, where they sold well. Sokphanna’s home is a hive of industry, with blocks of wood piled high, and a wide array of intricately carved statuettes displayed with pride.