To provide jobs for and empower women with HIV in Phnom Penh, Cambodia through the production of uniquely designed, environmentally friendly clothing, thereby measurably advancing the emotional and physical health of our constituents, and the quality of life for themselves, their families, and their extended communities.

KeoK’jay aims to be a viable business that does not rely on on-going charitable support, and to create internationally competitive products, providing an example that a business can be profitable without exploitation. Operating as a business combats a victim mentality and dependency that is prevalent and often is perpetrated by the proliferation of charities since the genocide. The growing sense of pride among KeoK’jay producers upon seeing people buying and wearing their products proves that this model is better for them and for Cambodian society, not to mention better for the buyers, who are happy that they could buy something they liked, and support a good cause at the same time. 

Why:

The government of Cambodia and major NGOs hail Cambodia as an HIV success story because the rate of infection has dropped in the last five years from 2% to 0.9% of the population, the rate of new infections is decreasing, and drugs are ‘readily’ accessible. However, the social costs of the disease are devastating. Most KeoK’jay staff contracted HIV from their husbands via prostitutes, some by forced prostitution. They have been ostracized from their communities, families, and work places, and cannot find work to support their children when their husbands die. There are many organizations that focus on the health side of this issue but do not address the root cause of the issue or the social costs of the disease. AIDS causes poverty and discrimination, and poverty and discrimination further the spread of AIDS. Thus, health and social welfare must be tackled simultaneously. KeoK’jay takes a different approach by offering economic empowerment to counteract the spread of poverty relating to HIV/AIDS, and counseling to help the women change their own social situations. This prevents further transmission in the future by counteracting the societal notions about the sickness and inequalities that spread it.

Impact:

KeoK’jay has made a big difference in the lives of its constituents. Having dignified employment brings back self-respect that may have been lost from years of begging, sex-work, or dependency. The women of KeoK’jay have experienced everything from genocide to rape, but working side-by-side and talking about their life experiences provides a source of therapeutic support, allowing them to change their cultural circumstances from within. All staff have gained weight and health since they have begun working with KeoK’jay. Some support up to ten dependents; thus, seven children who were previously working on the streets are now in school. Four other children who were previously supported by charity are supported by their mothers’ salaries, which is a huge source of pride to them. As KeoK’jay continues to grow so will the impact for its constituents and their communities.