Phnom Penh: On the morning of Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at the 7 Makara Palace, Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen, also the First Honorary Vice President of the Cambodian National Council for Women, welcomed a delegation led by Ms. Ing Kantha Phavi, the Minister of Women's Affairs and President of the Cambodian National Council for Women.

Hun Sen previously chaired a meeting of the National Council from 2005 to 2023, with the exception of 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Minister Ing Kantha Phavi reported on the Council's 2023 achievements and the 2024 Action Plan. She highlighted the reformation of the Royal Decree on the establishment of the Council, aligning it with the first phase of the Pentagon Strategy and increasing the number of vice presidents and members to enhance representation and efficacy.

Key areas of focus included promoting gender equality and women's rights, integrating gender perspectives into government policies, and significant contributions in public administration, financial management, land reform, and legal reform programs. The economic census of 2022 showed that 61.8% of organizations in Cambodia are led by women, with substantial roles in small and medium enterprises.

The Council has also provided legal assistance to women, particularly those in prison, and supported vocational training for women workers abroad. Efforts have been made to increase the number of female civil servants, with a rise in women holding management positions at various government levels.

In education, significant progress has been made in reducing the gender gap in primary and secondary education, though challenges remain in higher education, particularly in STEM fields.

The Council continues to focus on health services, cash support programs, and providing essential services to vulnerable populations, including women affected by technology-facilitated gender-based violence.

Minister Ing Kantha Phavi also expressed support for the Funan Techo canal project initiated by Hun Sen.

President Hun Sen commended the efforts of the National Council and emphasized the importance of empowering women in the economy and education. He urged for continued efforts to reduce the gender gap in higher education and improve support for incarcerated and pregnant women.

The meeting concluded on a positive note, with wishes for health and success exchanged between the delegation and President Hun Sen.