In the sweltering heart of Cambodia, there’s nothing quite like the relief of a cool towel handed by my tuk-tuk driver as we journey between the timeless temples of Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, and Bayon in Siem Reap. My driver for the day is Theary Lay, a single mother of two, who is one of the 24 women drivers working for Driver Srey, a tuk-tuk tour company founded by local Cambodian woman Khoy Prokrotey in 2017.

Driver Srey was established by Khoy Prokrotey, inspired by her career in ecotourism and community-based initiatives. She recognized the economic struggles many divorced and widowed women in Cambodia face and decided to create a not-for-profit organization that helps keep vulnerable women employed. “When tourists come to Siem Reap, they want to have fun, be safe, and feel comfortable — having a female driver makes that more possible,” Khoy explains. The company has grown from four to 24 female drivers in just a few years, providing safe and enjoyable travel experiences for tourists while empowering local women.

Theary Lay began driving for Driver Srey two years ago, after her husband passed away, leaving her as the sole provider for her children. “I am both the father and the mother to my children now,” Theary says. “If I wasn’t driving the tuk-tuk, I wouldn’t have enough money to feed my children.” Her story underscores the vital work organizations like Driver Srey are doing. By supporting disadvantaged women, Driver Srey not only provides economic stability but also normalizes the presence of women in the workforce, setting a positive example for the younger generation growing up in Cambodia today.

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