Apsara National Authority: The key role of women in temple conservation

The APSARA National Authority (ANA) would like to draw attention to the essential role played by women in the conservation and restoration of ancient temples.

Men and women are busy at work restoring the Trapeang Lpeou temple in Siem Reap province. One of them, Mrs Men Roeun, aged 43 and resident in the village of Nokor Krao, Sangkat Kork Chak, in Siem Reap province, has been working for the ANA since 2000 as a tourism officer. In 2013, she was transferred to a temple restoration team.

She says that when she started work, she found it difficult because she had no experience in this field. At first, even mixing the mortar wasn't easy. She told herself that she didn't know how far she could go, but thanks to her determination, she has continued to work in this sector for the past 10 years and has helped to repair the Kork Chak temple, the Kravan temple and, currently, the Trapeang Lpeou temple.

Over the past ten years, Ms Men Roeun has acquired a wide range of skills, including making lime mortar, cleaning the site, repairing, sealing and reinforcing the bricks, reading the temple plans and so on.

Another employee, Ms Che Dy, who lives in the village of Thnal Toteung, Banteay Srei district, joined the ANA in 2004 as a tourist agent before taking part in the restoration of the temples in 2013. She helped repair Phnom Bakheng temple, Kork Chak temple and Trapeang Lpeou temple.

Over the past 10 years, Ms Che Dy has gained as much experience as the rest of the team in repair techniques and other tasks assigned by the site manager. Despite her tiring work, she perseveres in the hope of inspiring future generations.

Mrs Men Roeun and Mrs Che Dy are quick to express their enthusiasm as the team works to repair the dilapidated temple. Their family is equally proud.

Apsara National Authority