PHNOM PENH: The Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, as well as the General Secretariat of the Disability Action Council, has expressed a strong commitment to ensuring that all women and girls with disabilities enjoy equal rights, opportunities and protection.

Speaking at the opening of the Communication Skills Training Course for the Deaf and Mute, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, Em Chan Makara, stated that 2023 sees the implementation of the second National Disability Strategic Plan by the Ministry, paving the way for more opportunities and benefits to be afforded to women and girls with disabilities.

In addition, the Ministry of Social Affairs has created skilled employment opportunities for women, facilitating women entrepreneurs to receive finance and training to expand their business.

Secretary of State Em Chan Makara added that 2023 is also the year that the Royal Government will draft the third National Disability Strategic Plan for implementation in 2024-2028, and will continue to focus on skills training, gender equality and stopping the use of violence against women and girls with disabilities.

He said that he believes this training course and the continued work of the Ministry will help persons with disabilities build their self-confidence, communication skills, and seek support to get their full rights, which will also help lead to the elimination of all forms of discrimination and violence against them.