Op-Ed: GBV and Urbanization–A City That Never Sleeps, But Often Looks Away

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Cambodia’s urban centers, especially Phnom Penh, have grown exponentially over the last two decades, with people flocking to the city in search of jobs and better living standards.

This rapid urbanization has created a complex mix of luxury high-rises, bustling markets, and sprawling informal settlements, where many women work, live, and dream of brighter futures.

Yet, these crowded areas often lack basic infrastructure like adequate street lighting, safe public transportation, and regular police patrols. Women in these areas report feeling uneasy in their own neighborhoods, especially at night, when their commute home from work can feel like a journey through a maze of shadows.

In these urban spaces, crimes against women, including harassment, assault, and robbery, are common but seldom addressed. Many Cambodian women who work late hours in garment factories or as street vendors have little choice but to navigate these dangerous environments daily.

For some, it’s the hidden alleys and unlit pathways; for others, it’s the overcrowded housing blocks, where thin walls provide little privacy and security. In a society where victims often remain silent for fear of judgment or disbelief, these incidents rarely reach the authorities, creating an illusion of safety that conceals the real danger faced by urban women.

Gender and the Urbanization Divide

The problem goes beyond inadequate infrastructure. Urbanization has brought a sharp increase in social and economic stressors, which often spill over into gender-based violence within the household as well. Many Cambodian women move to cities with their families or join relatives who have already established themselves there, often sharing tight living quarters with multiple generations. Financial pressures, competition for limited resources, and constant proximity can lead to tension and, sometimes, violence.

Domestic violence within these confined urban spaces is not only prevalent but also hard to escape. In Cambodia, women are frequently reluctant to report domestic abuse due to a strong cultural emphasis on family unity and the stigma associated with “airing dirty laundry” in public. In densely populated urban areas, neighbors may hear arguments and suspect abuse, but rarely intervene, seeing it as a private family matter. Women caught in such circumstances are left without safe spaces or community support, reinforcing the cycle of isolation and silence.

Invisibility by Design: The Perils of Informal Settlements

One of the most alarming aspects of this urbanization is the rise of informal settlements, where thousands of families reside without legal land titles or formal addresses. In these settlements, women face unique safety risks that urban planners and policymakers often overlook. Without legal recognition, these areas lack essential services, like police stations and hospitals, and are often bypassed by city planners who focus on more “visible” parts of the city.

Gender-based violence in urban settings not only endangers women’s physical safety but also takes a toll on their mental well-being. Women in cities often feel a constant undercurrent of fear, calculating their every step to avoid potential dangers. Many develop anxiety about commuting or walking home alone at night, which in turn limits their mobility and freedom. Opportunities for work, education, and socializing shrink as they avoid certain places or times of day. The city becomes a cage rather than the symbol of hope and independence they once envisioned.

Final Thoughts:

If Cambodian cities are to be spaces of opportunity for everyone, they need to prioritize the safety and well-being of women. Addressing these issues requires more than just infrastructure; it requires a commitment to gender-inclusive urban planning that sees safety as a basic right, not a privilege. Well-lit streets, affordable and secure public transportation, and responsive police patrols in urban and informal areas could transform the landscape for women, allowing them to participate in city life without fear.

Policymakers must also recognize the importance of legal protections and accessible reporting systems. Initiatives to improve law enforcement in urban areas should prioritize training officers to handle cases of gender-based violence with sensitivity and respect. Furthermore, integrating services like crisis hotlines, community centers, and shelters into city planning could provide women with safe spaces to turn to in times of need.