November 24, 2023: Eng Chandy is a 2013 Harpswell graduate, 2014 US Scholar and 2018 ASEAN Summit participant. Chandy is Executive Director of Gender and Development Cambodia (GADC) and lives in Phnom Penh with her husband and three-year-old son.

The Early Years at Harpswell

I am a natural advocate, vocal and confident to speak up for others. As a young girl, this gift pushed me to apply for a scholarship to study law in Phnom Penh, far from my hometown - I was the first woman in my family to attend university. Before joining Harpswell, however, I did not consider myself an advocate for gender equality or women rights. All of this changed at Harpswell.  

At Harpswell, the classes and leadership seminars focused on unleashing each individual's potential. At the dorms, I met so many inspiring diverse women and men who advocate for women’s rights and gender equality. Through connecting with like-minded people, being inspired by visitors and constant encouragement to tap into my own passions and potential, I found myself. Critical thinking classes and cultural activities helped shape my strategic thinking, and I found my true calling as an advocate for women’s rights.

In 2012, I was asked about what I want to be in 10 years by a researcher helping GADC write their “Three Generations of Change in Cambodia” report. I told her I would be the Executive Director of GADC. Almost 10 years later, with the guidance and support of the GADC team, Harpswell’s founder, my family and my feminist husband, I became the Executive Director of GADC in October 2021. I was not yet 30 years old.

As GADC continues our work, I hope that we can be an organization that leads with feminist principles. Our unique program is working to transform toxic masculinity in Cambodia. We need more diverse women leaders who will fight the patriarchy and toxic masculinity, helping to transform leadership in communities as well as in laws and policies. 

I am glad to have the Harpswell sisterhood in this work - we have quite a few Harpswell students who have done internships with our organization and participated in our feminist leadership program. In fact, we recruit Harpswell sisters to lead those programs for us as well. That is not because I am a Harpswell alumna, but because all of them are well qualified and deserve the space to lead.

The ASEAN Summit also helped me to strengthen my knowledge for writing proposals, and gave me helpful frameworks and support for the fundraising outreach I head for GADC.

A Sisterhood for Life

When I talk about leadership, I am not only focusing on my professional journey, but also my personal journey. Through Harpswell, I have more than 250 sisters coming from almost every province in Cambodia and throughout ASEAN, working in every different sector. It feels great to know that if I ever feel stuck, I know who I can go to for advice - from raising funds, considering further education and professional networking to mental health, romantic relationships and raising kids. This is a true privilege of the Harpswell network. Having a community that can support you and charge your energy is an amazing feeling!

I remember I have been asked multiple times whether I know this person or that person or whether I can make connections with this person or that person, and I am always proudly saying I know or I know who knows it. Telling people that I am a Harpswell alumna is my proudest moment because everyone recognizes how brilliant and determined we are through our work and skills. 

Harpswell supports me to lead in my personal and professional life with a quality that I have not found elsewhere. The investment that Harpswell has made to support individuals and the community can help better Cambodia with the competency, quality, and diverse women leaders.

I was provided a chance and spaces for growth through Harpswell, so I am creating and sharing space for others. I believe that when we realize our privilege and truly embrace it, we would make a better equal and just society.