As the Kingdom’s towns and cities expand and the cost of living rises, young women pursuing higher education often face challenges in securing safe and affordable housing. 

Many come from rural provinces, where educational opportunities for women remain limited due to economic constraints, safety concerns and societal expectations. 

The Harpswell Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women through education and leadership, has been addressing this issue by providing not just accommodation but a comprehensive support system for female university students, since 2010.

Through its Women’s Leadership Centers, Harpswell offers young women a safe living environment, mentorship and leadership training – helping them navigate not only the challenges of university life but also the transition into independent adulthood.

For many female students from Cambodia’s provinces, moving to Phnom Penh for university presents a financial and logistical challenge.

The cost of rent, food and transportation can be prohibitive, forcing some students to take on part-time jobs that interfere with their studies. 

Others struggle to find safe housing, often sharing overcrowded apartments or staying in areas with inadequate security.

Recognising this, Harpswell operates two Women’s Leadership Centers in Phnom Penh, providing secure housing at no cost to the students.

“Our dormitories are more than just a place to stay – they are environments where students can thrive academically and personally,” said Rya Ducusin-Lomboy, communications lead of Harpswell, based in Manila, the Philippines.

Each centre is equipped with a library, computers, high-speed internet and dedicated study spaces, ensuring that students have the resources they need for academic success. 

To promote a sense of responsibility and self-sufficiency, residents take turns preparing nutritious meals in a communal setting, learning essential life skills while forming close-knit support networks.

For students like Noeun Sony, a current Harpswell resident and university student from Kampong Thom province, the dormitory has been life-changing.

These four young women will continue their education and leadership journeys in the US, at Harpwell’s partner Christian Brothers University. Supplied

“I never thought I would have the opportunity to study in Phnom Penh,” Sony said. “Harpswell not only gave me a safe place to live, but it also provided me with the mentorship and guidance that I never had before.”

Helping Graduates Transition to Independence

Beyond university life, female graduates often face challenges in securing stable employment and meeting the high cost of rent in Phnom Penh. 

Many struggle to find jobs immediately after graduation, leaving them in financially precarious situations.

To address this, Harpswell established the Alison Pavia Alumnae House in 2016, which provides temporary housing for recent graduates as they transition into the workforce.

“The Alumnae House gives young women a transitional period to gain financial independence,” explained Ducusin-Lomboy. 

“By living rent-free for one to two years, they can save money, build their careers, and eventually move out on their own,” she added.

The Alumnae House accommodates 8 to 12 graduates at a time, helping them navigate the often difficult first years of professional life. 

Many former residents have successfully transitioned into stable careers, moving on to renting their own apartments in Phnom Penh.

Foreign leadership residential interns take pride in sharing their own cultures while embracing the opportunity to learn about and be enriched by Cambodia's unique traditions and heritage. Supplied

“This support has been critical for so many young women,” Ducusin-Lomboy said. “Having a place to stay while looking for a job reduces stress and gives them the confidence to pursue opportunities they might not have considered otherwise.”

Rising Demand for Student Housing

As the number of young women pursuing higher education in Cambodia continues to grow, so does the demand for safe and affordable student housing.

Ducusin-Lomboy said this year, they received 325 applications from 129 high schools across 22 provinces. The increasing number of applicants highlights the urgent need for safer and more affordable student housing.

Currently, Harpswell can accommodate 75 students across its two dormitories, admitting 15 to 20 new students annually. 

However, this means that only 6 per cent of applicants secure a place, leaving many young women without viable alternatives.

For the successful applicants students, gaining a spot at Harpswell was a life-changing opportunity.

“When I found out I was accepted, I was so relieved,” Sony, 28, from Siem Reap shared. “I knew that I would have a safe place to stay and a community that supports me.”

Fostering Leadership and Career Readiness

Harpswell’s mission goes beyond housing. The organisation provides a comprehensive leadership programme, equipping students with the skills they need to succeed academically, professionally and as leaders in their communities.

“We provide courses that help students prepare for the workforce, including job skills training, LinkedIn profile setup, and professional communication,” Ducusin-Lomboy told The Post.

A key component of the programme is “Critical Discussion”, where students engage in debates on regional and global issues, enhancing their critical thinking and public speaking skills.

“Our goal is to empower young women to become leaders,” she emphasised. “We don’t just want them to graduate – we want them to make a difference in their communities and beyond.”

For Sony, the leadership training has already changed her perspective on what she can achieve.

“I used to be shy and afraid to speak up,” she said. “Now, I feel more confident discussing big issues, and I want to help other young women like me.”

A Potential Model for Expansion

Although Harpswell does not currently engage in policy advocacy, Ducusin-Lomboy believes the foundation’s success could serve as an example for other organisations and institutions looking to address the housing needs of female students.

“While we’re not directly involved in policy advocacy, we’re always open to sharing our model with like-minded organisations,” she explained.

Harpswell also partners with several other organisations to provide additional resources for students, including workshops, mentorship programmes and networking opportunities.

“We believe that empowering young women is not just about education—it’s about providing them with the tools to build a future,” Rya added.