What is SheThinks Network?
The SheThinks Network is a women’s research network initiated by The Asia Foundation’s Ponlok Chomnes: Data and Dialogue for Development program. It was conceptualized in February 2021 by 20 women researchers from various research think tanks in Cambodia, and anchored by the Foundation’s Ponlok Chomnes team.
The Network aims to address the gender disparity within the research community in Cambodia by empowering and amplifying women’s voices in research and making the research space more inclusive. It further provides an opportunity for women researchers to come together to offer strong peer support. Women researchers in junior and senior roles across the research think tanks in Cambodia are brought together to support one another in a meaningful way.
Objectives
The Network aims to create an enabling research community for women researchers. The Foundation hopes to expand opportunities for women researchers to convene, engage with peers, share their research work experiences, raise their challenges, and learn and share feedback and aspirations with another. Members can access information such as scholarships, workshops, training, and other information. Members can also access technical capacity development such as short training courses, mentoring, and coaching by more experienced members. Their participation also offers an opportunity to participate in other activities supported by the Ponlok Chomnes Program, such as blog writing, participating in a series of podcasts, and engaging with external speakers.
Current Activities
Short Training Courses: The Network members may participate in short training courses tailored to their needs through a prior needs-driven survey assessment.
Speaker Series: The Speaker Series is designed for SheThinks members to exchange ideas, ask questions, and get inspired by high profile guest speakers.
Podcast Series: To feature some of SheThinks Network members.
Events
- On March 17, 2022, SheThinks Network was officially launched and was attended by over 60 participants, and a number of honorable guests, namely, Her Excellency Ing Kantha Phavi, Minister of Women’s Affairs; His Excellency Tean Samnang, President of National Institute of Diplomacy and International Relations (NIDIR); His Excellency Pablo Kang, Australian Ambassador to Cambodia; and Mr. David D. Arnold, President of The Asia Foundation. Other key participants included women researchers, and representatives of the diplomatic corps including ambassadors from the British and Indian embassies, and a representative from the U.S. Embassy. Core partners of the Ponlok Chomnes program and other civil society leaders in Cambodia also joined the event.
- On 15 May 2022, SheThinks Network members concluded a short training course on “Strong Proposal Writing.” After completing the course, the participants were able to analyse the problem and address it systematically using problem and objective analysis, developed a project design, drew a detailed implementation plan, and wrote a comprehensive proposal with a budget. A total of 15 women researchers registered for this short training course. The participants were able to gain knowledge and accomplish the training through group work and presentations. The trainings took place every Sunday from 10 April to 15 May 2022.
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Meet SheThinks Network Members
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