Dear Editor,

I was very

staggered to know that Sun Chandeb hoped to change Chol Mlop, the

traditional rite of passage for young Khmer girl (June 23).  

It is a globalised era and not all ceremonies, traditions and cultures left by our ancestors are worth preserving.

As

far as I am concerned, Chol Mlop is a biased tradition that keeps girls

from contacting outsiders for a certain period of time, and keeps them

in the dark so they are ready for a marriage and family life at such

young an age. I see Chol Mlop as lost opportunity for women to get an

education at schools with men and to advance their career paths.

I believe that Khmer women deserve better lives and chances, rather than trying to keep this tradition alive.

More

than 50 percent of the Cambodian population is female. They are the

backbone of this country and could significantly contribute to the

development of Cambodia if equal opportunities are allowed.

It is time for people to open up their minds and hearts to let Khmer women reach their highest potential.

Vinh Dany

Phnom Penh

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Cambodia. The Post reserves the right to edit letters to a shorter

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The views expressed above are solely the author's and do not reflect any positions taken by The Phnom Penh Post.