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Lt. Col. Sokha’s breastfeeding photo caused a sensation in public opinion – Photo: Facebook
According to the newspaper Phnom Penh post, the incident began on the 2nd and 3rd when Sokha posted a photo on Facebook of herself breastfeeding while still wearing her police uniform and on duty in the middle of the road.
“Because I am a mother, no matter what circumstances I have to forget my shyness and do everything for my children. That is real life,” shared the lieutenant colonel.
The photo spread quickly and caused problems for the deputy chief of the Siem Pang District Public Order Police Department, Stung Treng Province. On March 6, Sokha posted an apology on Facebook for breastfeeding her while on a mission.
However, this apology does not seem to be enough to appease the superiors. On March 9, the lieutenant colonel was summoned to the Siem Pang District Police Headquarters for a review and promised not to repeat breastfeeding midway. She was asked to publicly apologize for defaming the reputation of Cambodian women and the police force.
Cambodian netizens and women’s rights groups immediately intervened to protect Sokha. They criticized the harsh and humane treatment of the Stung Treng police.
“It is not her fault. I appreciate her actions as she performs job responsibilities while breastfeeding. The baby also has the right to be fed” – Ros Sopheap, executive director of the Cambodia Gender and Development Organization, expressed her frustration.
A group of 39 civil society organizations in Cambodia also sided with policewomen, claiming that the Cambodian government also bears a share of responsibility, according to the Reuters news agency.
“My post is not intended to defame the police department or the unit I work for. I just want to convey the message that no matter how difficult and inconvenient the situation is, women with children like me will not leave their child behind.” added. Sokha police entrusted him Phnom Penh post.
The pressure from public opinion was so great that the head of the Cambodia Police General Department, General Neth Savoeun, had to intervene. Earlier, a senior official in the Cambodian Ministry of the Interior wrote a letter to General Savoeun.
She said that Mr. Savoeun should “praise and encourage Sokha” as well as ensure that policewomen like her have enough opportunities to care for their children rather than punish them.
In a Facebook post on March 10, Stung Treng Police said General Neth Savoeun sent a basket of fruit, soft drinks and a 500,000 riel envelope (about VND 2.9 million) with praise for his “dedication to the job”.
The Cambodian Ministry of Women also issued a statement showing its support for the policewoman, praising her as a mother and responsible officer. However, this ministry disappointed many when it concluded that breastfeeding in public can “affect the dignity of Khmer women.”
