At just 23, Mrs. Dorn Chorvy from Srea Sronuk village, Stung Treng province, has emerged as a committed leader in sustainable fisheries. A mother of two, she balances daily fishing and farming to support her daughters’ education.
Life hasn’t been easy—Chorvy left school to care for her ill mother and faced numerous challenges, including limited confidence and recognition as a young woman in leadership.
In 2020, during a time when COVID-19 restrictions, illegal fishing, and land disputes disrupted the community, Chorvy was selected as a women’s leader. Yet early on, she often felt her voice went unheard. “I used to lose confidence,” she recalled, “because even when I was invited to meetings, my ideas were not accepted.”
Support from My Village Organization (MVi) and Oxfam marked a turning point. With technical guidance and funding, Chorvy received training, coaching, and networking opportunities that strengthened both her confidence and technical capacity. One key area was fish catch monitoring—a vital tool in sustainable fisheries management.
Initially, Chorvy lacked confidence to facilitate data collection with local fishers and worked alone. But after months of training and hands-on experience, she gained expertise and even conducted echo-trainings for other community members. Her field efforts—tracking species, recording catch volumes, and engaging with stakeholders—demonstrated how empowered women leaders can contribute to ecological knowledge and resource governance.
“I’m proud of my role,” she said. “I’m committed to doing my best, and I sincerely thank MVi, Oxfam, and the local authorities for their trust and support.”
Chorvy’s journey is a testament to the transformative impact of inclusive leadership and capacity building. Her work not only advances sustainable fishing practices but also inspires other women to lead with courage and purpose.









