Documentation Center of Cambodia

 

COMMUNITY BOOK REVIEW:

 

THE HIJAB OF CAMBODIA: Memories of Cham Muslim Women after the Khmer Rouge

By Farina So

 

Phnom Penh, July 15, 2011

Photo by: Dacil Q. Keo

Following the book launch of “The Hijab of Cambodia: Memories of Cham Muslim Women After the Khmer Rouge Regime” at Monument Books, members of the Cham community including tuans (teachers) and hakims (leaders), along with representatives of minority groups gathered at DC-Cam to discuss the book. The thirty-five participants first worked in small groups to constructively criticize Ms. Farina So’s book. After small group discussions, presentations were given by one or two members of the group. The groups highlighted the importance of the book for the Cham and minority communities in Cambodia in several regards. They noted the rarity and pride of having a minority Cambodian woman publish a book. Second, they emphasized the need for the younger generations to learn about Khmer Rouge history and believed that Ms. So’s book would help in this cause. Lastly, they affirmed the importance of speaking out about human rights abuses in order to promote accountability, justice, tolerance, and peace.