Cambodia's Ministry of Rural Development Announces New Leadership for Women's Association Branch

The Ministry of Rural Development in Cambodia held a ceremony on September 16, 2026, to officially acknowledge the reshuffling and bổ sung of the leadership committee for the Cambodia Women's Association for Peace and Development (CWAAPD) branch within the ministry. The event was presided over by Samdech Kittiseng Bunhath, Royal Advisor and President of CWAAPD, and attended by members of parliament, the Minister of Rural Development, the association's honorary president, ministry officials, and honorary and operational members of the CWAAPD branch, along with ministry staff. During the ceremony, H.E. Dr. Chhay Rithysen, Minister of Rural Development, welcomed the distinguished presence of Samdech Kittiseng Bunhath. He stated that the official announcement of the reshuffled and bổ sung committee aims to strengthen the leadership, coordination, and implementation mechanisms of the association, making its activities more dynamic and effective. This is to ensure the sustainability of the CWAAPD's actions in line with the political direction and programs of the Royal Government. The Minister further elaborated on the Ministry of Rural Development's efforts to build a prosperous, inclusive, equitable, and sustainable rural society in Cambodia through the implementation of the National Policy on Rural Development 2025-2035, which includes five priority programs. He also highlighted the ministry's focus on promoting women's rights by increasing the number of female civil servants in decision-making positions across all management structures within the ministry's subordinate units. H.E. Mrs. Mat Mara, Secretary of State and Executive President of the branch, presented a report on the branch's achievements, emphasizing its significant contributions to both the Ministry of Rural Development's work and various charitable initiatives. H.E. Mrs. San Arun, Member of Parliament and Vice President of the association, read out the decision recognizing the reshuffled and bổ sung committee of the CWAAPD branch at the Ministry of Rural Development. The committee comprises a total of 79 members, with 22 in honorary positions and 57 in operational roles. Samdech Kittiseng Bunhath presented the decision document to H.E. Mrs. Vong Kunthary Chhay Rithysen, Honorary President of the branch committee, and the official seal to H.E. Mrs. Mat Mara, President of the branch. Samdech Kittiseng Bunhath extended warm congratulations and appreciation to the appointed women, emphasizing that the Royal Government of Cambodia, under the wise and proactive leadership of Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, consistently values "women as the backbone of the national economy and society." In this context, the first phase of the Pentagonal Strategy clearly defines the promotion of gender equality, strengthening women's empowerment, and increasing their core roles within state institutions and the private sector ecosystem as crucial catalysts and priorities for ensuring inclusive and sustainable development. Finally, Samdech Kittiseng Bunhath offered key recommendations to the CWAAPD branch at the Ministry of Rural Development, urging them to further strengthen internal solidarity and unity to enhance the effective execution of their roles and responsibilities, leading to greater success. Source: AKP Khmer