Cambodian Minister Highlights Importance of Gender Equality for ASEAN Community Vision 2045

Dr. Ing Kantha Phavi, Minister of Women's Affairs, emphasized that investing in women is investing in prosperity, resilience, and long-term peace. Her remarks were made during the "Promoting Gender Mainstreaming Towards the ASEAN Community Vision 2045" international forum held in Siem Reap on September 14, 2026. The Minister noted the growing global momentum for gender equality. She stated that initiatives such as the UN Women's "Call to Action," the Generation Equality Action Coalitions, the Beijing+30 Agenda, and global movements for economic reform of care and digital inclusion of women all point in one direction: that countries investing in women are investing in prosperity, resilience, and long-term peace. Furthermore, she highlighted that these global commitments reinforce the commitments Cambodia has already undertaken through the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG5). She reminded attendees that ASEAN's progress is part of a broader global movement to ensure no woman or girl is left behind. Dr. Ing Kantha Phavi stated that ASEAN, a bloc of diverse cultures, histories, and traditions, draws strength from this diversity. She added that the region possesses values that the world greatly needs. The Minister explained that gender equality within families, community solidarity, and social norms focused on care serve as a stable foundation amidst global uncertainty. She asserted that values such as care, peace, and shared responsibility are strategic contributions to global stability and resilience, stating, "A more peaceful and caring world begins with gender equality in the region." She further affirmed that the saying "women are the mothers of the world" further substantiates this notion. Dr. Ing Kantha Phavi concluded by saying that gender mainstreaming allows us to get closer to the daily realities of our citizens. It helps us understand how policies affect women and men, girls and boys, such as farmers, factory workers, business people, caregivers, students, and community leaders. Source: CPP Cambodia