Peace Bridges is a Cambodian Christian peacebuilding ministry that Baptist Mission Australia team members helped establish and now partner with two decades later.

Its mission is to equip and walk alongside leaders, communities and churches so they can live out reconciliation in every part of their lives.

Peace Bridges supports marginalised communities who are dealing with the effects of deforestation, family violence, poverty and other human rights abuses, helping them to share their voices and become advocates.

Som Chanmony, the Executive Director of Peace Bridges, shares a story of hope and change:

In the heart of Prey Lang Forest, illegal logging threatens both biodiversity and the livelihood of Indigenous communities.

Traditionally, forest patrols were considered men’s work. But through Peace Bridges’ training, women are stepping forward as protectors of their land.

One of these leaders is Pheaktra, an Indigenous Kuy woman. She once stayed silent during meetings, convinced her opinion didn’t matter. After joining Peace Bridges training and receiving mentoring, she began co-leading patrols, organising awareness events, and speaking with local authorities about sustainable practices.

In July 2024, she co-led a patrol team that intercepted illegal loggers. Instead of confrontation, she used her training to negotiate.

The offenders stopped cutting down trees and surrendered the confiscated timber. Her approach preserved peace and the forest, inspiring other women to join future patrols.

“When women join patrols, we bring a different kind of strength,” Pheaktra says. “We talk, we listen, we persuade.”