ADVOCACY
First Step Cambodia (FSC) advocates for comprehensive child protection and inclusion by addressing sexual violence, supporting children with disabilities, and promoting the rights of children with diverse SOGIESC. Through partnerships with government agencies and NGOs, FSC raises awareness, influences societal norms, and drives policy changes to create a safer and more inclusive environment for children.
Global Level
First Step Cambodia (FSC) is proud to be a member of Family for Every Child, a global alliance dedicated to improving the care and protection of children. As part of this network, FSC actively contributes its expertise in child protection and advocacy, focusing on inclusive practices that address the needs of vulnerable children, including those with disabilities and those affected by sexual violence. FSC collaborates with other members to share knowledge, build capacity, and develop joint strategies to influence policies and societal norms. Through initiatives like awareness campaigns, training programs, and research, FSC strengthens the alliance’s collective impact, ensuring that children worldwide are better protected and supported.
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Family for Every Child is a global alliance of 46 local civil society organizations across 38 countries, working together to improve the lives of vulnerable children. The alliance focuses on areas such as child protection, family care, mental health, education, and justice, ensuring that every child grows up in a safe and caring family or receives high-quality alternative care when necessary. Family for Every Child leverages local expertise to address critical issues like sexual violence against boys, kinship care, and children on the move, while also providing emergency aid during crises. Through collaboration, shared knowledge, and advocacy, the alliance creates sustainable change for children and families worldwide.
National Level
First Step Cambodia (FSC) plays a vital role in national advocacy efforts to strengthen child protection systems in partnership with the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation (MoSVY), the National Institute of Social Affairs (NISA), and the National Committee for Counter Trafficking (NCCT). FSC collaborates with MoSVY to enhance policies and programs that protect children from violence, exploitation, and abuse. This includes contributing to the development of national action plans, capacity-building initiatives for social workers, and improving service delivery mechanisms to ensure inclusive and effective support for vulnerable children. Through its partnership with NISA, FSC supports training programs for social work professionals, equipping them with the skills needed to address complex child protection challenges at both national and community levels.
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In collaboration with NCCT, FSC advocates for stronger measures to combat human trafficking and exploitation of children. FSC actively participates in strategic planning sessions and policy discussions aimed at addressing emerging threats and improving victim support frameworks. By providing technical expertise and facilitating stakeholder engagement, FSC ensures that the voices of children are included in decision-making processes. These partnerships enable FSC to drive systemic change, promote inclusive practices, and contribute to creating a safer environment for all children in Cambodia.
First Step Cambodia (FSC) actively engages in advocacy work at the sub-national level through strategic partnerships with the Siem Reap provincial administration, Women and Children Consultative Committee (WCCC), Department of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation (DoSVY), Provincial Committee for Counter Trafficking (PCCT), and various NGO networks such as the Siem Reap Social Work Network and Violence Against Children Working Group. These partnerships aim to strengthen child protection systems, promote inclusive practices, and address pressing issues like violence against children, including boys and children with diverse Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Expression, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC), as well as human trafficking. FSC collaborates with these stakeholders to conduct capacity-building workshops, policy discussions, and strategic planning sessions that enhance service delivery and ensure the voices of vulnerable children are included in decision-making processes.
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In addition to institutional collaboration, FSC engages deeply with communities, reaching over 30,000 children and adults through awareness campaigns, training sessions, and prevention workshops. These initiatives focus on educating communities about child protection, addressing harmful social norms, and promoting inclusivity for children with disabilities, boys, and children with diverse SOGIESC. By empowering local stakeholders and fostering community participation, FSC ensures sustainable impact at the grassroots level while contributing to broader systemic change in child protection across Siem Reap province. This inclusive approach helps create a safer environment where all children can thrive.
Sub-national Level
BLUE UMBRELLA CAMPAIGN
Blue Umbrella Day is a global awareness campaign led by Family for Every Child that highlights the need to better protect boys from sexual violence. Held annually on April 16th, the campaign unites organizations, communities, and governments worldwide to raise awareness, promote advocacy, and foster action. Through workshops, events, and public dialogues, Blue Umbrella Day aims to challenge harmful social norms, amplify the rights of boys, and ensure all children live free from violence and exploitation.
