PHNOM PENH, September 11, 2024 — U.S. Embassy Phnom Penh is pleased to announce the launch of the Academy of Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) in Cambodia. This program, funded by the U.S. Department of State, aims to empower women in business through a business-focused curriculum, mentorship, and network building.

“I am proud to say that the U.S. has been at the forefront of the policy discussion on empowering women for years,” said Chargé d’Affaires Bridgette Walker at the opening ceremony on September 10 in Phnom Penh. “This year, the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs will serve as our premier initiative for our #EmpowerNeary campaign, which celebrates and supports women achieving their full potential.”

Chargé Walker and Minister of Commerce Cham Nimul presided over the launch at the Hyatt Regency, featuring the 30 inaugural AWE participants from Phnom Penh and Siem Reap in diverse fields ranging from hospitality to sustainable energy. U.S. entrepreneurship expert Melinda Emerson gave the keynote address, and the program also featured a video address from Leslie Kiernan, General Counsel of the United States Department of Commerce.

MeDha, Cambodia’s first all-women drumming troupe, rang in the program with a thunderous performance. AWE is an initiative of the U.S. Government and gives enterprising women the knowledge, networks, and access they need to launch and scale successful businesses and harnesses the power of public-private sponsors, local partnerships, and U.S. Exchange Alumni networks to help women and their businesses grow.

Applicants commit to nine months of participation in the program, which includes online learning, in-person events, an exhibition day, and post-program support.

For more information, follow U.S. Embassy Phnom Penh’s social media and hashtag #EmpowerNeary.