Cambodia has made huge strides in boosting women’s education, economic opportunities, health care, and leadership roles over the last 30 years. Minister of Women’s Affairs Ing Kantha Phavi shared these updates in a recent interview with Xinhua news agency from Phnom Penh.
Phavi credits the progress to strong support from top leaders, a team effort across government agencies, and partnerships with civil society, businesses, and international groups. “Women and their families have gained so much from lasting peace, falling poverty rates, better jobs, and steady economic growth,” she said.
At the core of Cambodia’s push for gender equality is the government’s Rectangular Strategy, now in its fourth phase. It views women as the “backbone of Cambodia’s economy and society.” The newer Pentagonal Strategy keeps this focus alive, investing in a fairer, more inclusive society where “women are the core.”
Let’s break down the key wins in women’s development.
In education, Cambodia is close to full gender parity in primary and secondary schools, with big gains in higher education too. “Girls now account for 52.51 percent of all tertiary students across the country,” Phavi noted. Even at the PhD level, women make up 10.32 percent of candidates—145 out of 1,404 total.
On the economic front, women are key earners in many households. Cambodia boasts one of the highest female workforce participation rates in ASEAN, fueled by growing jobs, startup support, and better social services like childcare and protection programs.
Health improvements stand out, especially for mothers. Maternal mortality has plunged from 437 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2000 to just 154 in 2022, thanks to wider access to prenatal care and reproductive health services.
Efforts to fight gender-based violence (GBV) are paying off too. Domestic violence rates fell from 29 percent in 2014 to 21 percent in 2021, driven by stronger responses from multiple sectors and victim-focused support at local and national levels.
In leadership, women hold 42 percent of civil servant positions and 27 percent of top decision-making spots. “Women aren’t just receiving help—they’re leading change, sparking innovation, and building resilience,” Phavi emphasized.
These advances show Cambodia’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment, setting a strong example for the region.
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