PHNOM PENH: The First Deputy Chairman of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), Senior Minister Ly Thuch, opened a workshop to disseminate the Gender Mainstreaming Plan in the Field of Mine Action (GMAP) 2021-2025 to instruct operators and stakeholders to officially use GMAP and encourage all parties to participate in the implementation of gender mainstreaming in the field of mine action, using GMAP as a basic planning document.

Speaking at the launch ceremony on Thursday morning, attended by the leaders of the Mine Authority and representatives of relevant ministries and institutions, Senior Minister Ly Thuch said that the Royal Government of Cambodia is strongly committed to strengthening gender equality at all levels and in all areas, to strengthen the role of women in the economy and society by integrating gender mainstreaming into national policies and key national strategic plans.

He added that gender mainstreaming in the field of mine action has also been identified as an important goal, with the Mine Authority preparing the National Mine Action Strategic Plan 2018-2025 (NMAS 2018-2025), a roadmap for all national mine action operators and international organizations, including ministries, institutions, development partners and other stakeholders involved in mine action in Cambodia.

He proposed the support and promotion of building confidence for women's participation in some areas of mine action, supporting women's ownership, helping women to build relationships and create employment opportunities for each other, and provide training opportunities to enhance women's leadership skills in society.

On behalf of the Royal Government of Cambodia, the Senior Minister said he believes that all ministries, institutions, development partners, national and international mine action operators, and all stakeholders, will continue to contribute to the successful implementation of the Gender Mainstreaming Plan n the Field of Mine Action 2021-2025, with high efficiency and responsibility to promote gender equality and the common goal of achieving a "mine-free" Cambodia by 2025.