Since I was young, my relatives and grandmother always told me that girls do not need to be highly educated. I have always wondered why they never stop my brothers from reaching for higher level of education. To my grandmother, she always encourages my brothers to get a doctrate degree so that they can be a specialist in one area that they like. Why can't I do the same thing? I have always wanted to be a teacher and I have some passion for it. However, I was told not to go overseas to further my studies. Five years ago, my grandmother and aunts stopped me from going to the US because they felt that there is no need for me to study that much. They always say that I will eventually marry, become a mother and a housewife. At that time, I told them that I wanted to explore the world and do not want to limit myself to certain levels they were trying to set for me. My parents were supportive and let me further my education in America and Singapore.
I must admit that my grandmother's perception of girls is that they do not require high education since it is unnecessary. I do want to change her mindset and perception because girls should have the same opportunity to experience and learn new things as boys do. The traditional Cambodian perception of girls is exactly the same as in Indian society before. Women are always be inferior to men and always remain as a housewife regardless of how much education she could achieve. Personally, I think it is extremely unfair and untrue because girls can achieve the same level as success as boys do if she is willing to do so. People should not judge the ability based on gender.
