PHNOM PENH: Prime Minister Hun Sen has noted that women are now involved in almost all areas of national development, as a result of the Royal Government of Cambodia’s efforts towards gender equality and inclusivity.
Speaking at the meeting to review the results of the National Council of Cambodia for Women in 2022, held on Tuesday morning, 21 February 2023, at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, Prime Minister Hun Sen praised the efforts made by the National Council towards building active participation and developing society, especially regarding the increased involvement of women in various fields of national development.
The President of the National Council of Cambodia for Women and the Minister of Women's Affairs, Ing Kantha Phavy, read out a brief report to the Prime Minister on the results achieved by the Ministry of Women's Affairs, especially regarding the development of the leadership capacity of women at the national and sub-national levels. She shared that as of 2022, there are 6,822 female civil servants, out of a total of 28,542 civil servants, that have received capacity building training for various skills both at home and abroad.
"Women have become a driving force in Cambodia, contributing to national economic growth and social development," she said.
According to the Minister of Women's Affairs, about 84% of the workforce in the country is made up of women, and about 61% of working women are business owners or entrepreneurs, which is a high rate in the region. By 2022, women business owners increased by 20-22% and women entrepreneurs increased by 30-32%.
She added that along with the results achieved, the Ministry also has some challenges and concerns that need to continue to be addressed through gender mainstreaming mechanisms at the national and sub-national levels to protect women's rights.
Particularly, the Ministry requires the development of human resources and institutional modernization, to expand the scope of work to be able to adequately respond to recent developments and issues related to women and girls in Cambodia, including a needed expansion of knowledge, experience and skills in the labor market, and regarding employment and security related to digital technology.
