Cambodia Discusses Challenges and Solutions for Women's Leadership and Social Participation

The Department of Women's Affairs in Kampong Cham province, Cambodia, held a semi-annual meeting on July 7, 2026, to review its work for the first half of 2026. The meeting took place in the provincial department's conference hall and was attended by 50 participants (46 women), including officials from the provincial Department of Women's Affairs, gender working group members from various ministries and institutions, and officials from the social welfare and well-being offices of the nine municipalities and districts. The meeting was chaired by Ms. Sin Sypan, Director of the Provincial Department of Women's Affairs, representing Ms. Lum Kunthary, Deputy Governor of Kampong Cham Province. The objective was to examine the results and composition of the gender working groups in various ministries and institutions during the first half of 2026, identify strengths and challenges, and discuss solutions. It also aimed to collect and analyze data on female leaders from the provincial level down to the municipal, district, and commune levels. Following the opening remarks, gender working groups from various ministries and the social welfare and well-being offices of the nine municipalities and districts reported on their activities over the past six months and the challenges they faced. These issues were then discussed and addressed collectively. Ms. Sin Sypan encouraged the focal points for gender to disseminate information through their respective ministry and institutional programs, urging pregnant women to attend regular prenatal check-ups as scheduled by healthcare providers to reduce maternal and infant mortality. She also encouraged women to pay attention to their health regarding breast and uterine cancer, which are prevalent, and highlighted the availability of free legal assistance for victims of domestic violence from lawyers. Furthermore, she urged guardians to encourage their daughters to pursue higher education, just as they do for their sons, and encouraged the focal points to support young women as the bamboo shoots that will succeed the older generation. Subsequently, Ms. Heu Chanry, Deputy Director of the Department, reviewed data on female leaders across provincial, municipal, district, commune, and ministry levels. The challenges and requests raised during the meeting included: 1. Some female officials lack self-confidence. 2. Some officials lack full encouragement from men. 3. There is a shortage of budget for implementing activities. 4. The number of female leaders in decision-making positions (Deputy Directors, Heads of Offices, Deputy Heads of Offices) is still low. 5. Some women have limited knowledge and skills. 6. There is a lack of courage. The requests made were: 1. To conduct training courses on leadership and gender equality/equity to further strengthen the gender working groups. 2. To organize study tours outside the province to exchange work experiences. 3. To ensure that all departments have female Deputy Directors. Ms. Sin Sypan instructed the meeting participants to inform their respective ministry directors after the meeting to review and adjust the gender mainstreaming working groups, emphasizing their significant importance. She also encouraged them to promote public support and use of Cambodian products, discourage the use of Thai products, and urge guardians to register their children for voting when they reach the eligible age. Elections for commune/sangkat councils are scheduled for 2027, and the general election for national assembly representatives for 2028.