Why Do We Need Women Empowerment in Cambodia?

Despite Cambodia’s growing economy, Cambodian women are still facing many challenges in obtaining their right to economic opportunities. As of 2018, adult women who have completed high school constitute only 15% of the total women population.

Recently, many feminist and women empowerment movements have gained traction in the country. Various organizations and institutions, especially those that are led by women, are pushing initiatives that support women to better their education and career development.

So Why Does Cambodia Need Women’s Empowerment?

There is evidence that by encouraging women to participate in economic activities, the country’s economy can see an increase in growth by 11.9% compared to the current projection of GDP with less women engagement, by 2025.

Improving gender equality allows women to earn higher incomes, which encourages greater investment in education, childcare, health, and nutrition—all of which strengthen the national economy.

Currently, both public and private sectors are working hard to support the development of women’s human capital. Moreover, the government is also designing financial services that are more inclusive and sustainable for women, especially marginalized communities such as small shop vendors, family business owners, and farmers.

Access to Education Is Crucial

Beside increasing women’s skills and financial capacities, it’s also crucial to provide accessible education. Cambodian women often find it hard to qualify for opportunities due to low education and literacy rates. Girls in rural areas are more likely to drop out of school early due to a lack of resources, family responsibility, and societal pressure.

The Ministry of Women’s Affairs has been actively working to alleviate women from poverty and ensure they obtain the necessary education to participate meaningfully in the formal economy.

Cambodia still has much to do to extend economic opportunities to every woman. By designing policies that improve gender equality, Cambodia can unlock the full economic potential of empowered women and move toward a society with equal access for all.