Supporting women’s economic empowerment in the handicraft and fashion sectors in Cambodia

In light of the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Cambodia, Nomi Network Cambodia (NNC) is committed to aiding the country's recovery efforts. Specifically, NNC seeks to bolster its ability to train women-owned micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in digital marketing and export promotion strategies, thereby supporting their business growth.

As an independent non-governmental organization and a member of the Nomi Network, headquartered in the United States, NNC's ultimate objective is to eradicate human trafficking by establishing safe employment opportunities and empowering women and girls to break free from the shackles of slavery in their families and communities.

Globally Cool has provided valuable assistance to Nomi Network Cambodia (NNC) by implementing a robust marketing and export promotion strategy that strengthens its role in supporting women-owned micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Cambodia. We have developed comprehensive training modules that cover important topics such as digital marketing, exporting, and women's entrepreneurship. These modules will be integrated into NNC's regular training programs for Cambodian MSMEs.

Furthermore, our technical assistance has included organizing a virtual networking event for NNC's MSME partners and potential buyers from both domestic and international markets. We have provided coaching and advisory support to both NNC staff and MSME partners to optimize the opportunities offered by the networking event.

Activities

This project has three main assignments, which are subdivided into several activities:

• Developing Marketing and Export Strategy for Nomi Network Cambodia
  • market intelligence study on the position and opportunities of Cambodian SMEs in the international fashion and handicraft sector.
  • advisory report, including a marketing and export strategy.
• Capacity building for Nomi Network Cambodia’s Women-owned MSME Partners
  • three on-site trainings on export marketing, corporate social responsibility, branding & promotion and digital marketing.
  • Training of Trainers component.
• Networking events
  • study tour to the trade fair 'HGH India' to build capacity within the NNC team, teach them how to organise an event, how to present themselves and conduct market research.
  • online seminar and matchmaking event for SMEs in NNC’s network.

Results

Among the results are:

• Export Marketing Plan stipulating new opportunities and segments for Cambodian fashion and handicraft products.
• Improved capacity within NNC’s current team.
• Better insight into the competitive position and opportunities for Cambodian products in international markets.
• More business leads for NNC.
• Enhanced digital marketing skills of fashion and handicraft MSMEs in Cambodia.
• New connections were established between MSMEs and international buyers.
• Local trainers trained and curriculum handed-over.