NewKerala.com

Key Points

Cambodia has made remarkable progress in advancing gender equality over the past three decades. The country has achieved near gender parity in education with women now making up over half of tertiary students. Economic empowerment shows strong results with high female workforce participation rates across ASEAN. Health indicators demonstrate significant improvement with maternal mortality rates dropping substantially since 2000.

Key Points: Cambodia Gender Equality Progress Women Education Leadership 30 Years

  • Cambodia achieves near gender parity in primary and secondary education nationwide
  • Female workforce participation ranks among highest in ASEAN region
  • Maternal mortality drops significantly from 437 to 154 per 100,000 births
  • Women hold 27% of decision-making roles in civil service positions
  • Domestic violence prevalence decreases from 29% to 21% over seven years
  • Female students now constitute majority at tertiary education level
2 min read

Cambodia sees progress in advancing gender equality over past 3 decades: Minister

Cambodia achieves major gains in women's education, economic empowerment, health outcomes, and leadership roles over three decades of gender equality initiatives.

"Women are not just beneficiaries, they are drivers of change, innovation, and resilience - Minister Ing Kantha Phavi"

Phnom Penh, Sep 28

Cambodia has seen significant progress in women's education, economic empowerment, health, Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention, and leadership over the past 30 years, said Minister of Women's Affairs Ing Kantha Phavi.

She said the kingdom has made remarkable strides in advancing gender equality, anchored in strong political will from the highest levels of leadership, a whole-of-government approach, and inclusive partnerships across civil society, the private sector, and development partners.

"Women and their families have benefited from sustained peace, poverty reduction, decent work, and high economic growth," Phavi told Xinhua news agency in an interview.

The minister said gender equality was placed at the heart of all four phases of the government's Rectangular Strategy, recognising that "women are the backbone of Cambodia's economy and society."

She added that the current government has continued to commit to this legacy through the Pentagonal Strategy, which emphasises continued investment in gender equality and the building of a highly civilised, ethical, equitable, and inclusive society in which "women are the core."

The minister also highlighted the kingdom's key progress in women's development.

She said that in education, Cambodia has almost achieved gender parity at the primary and secondary education levels, with continuous improvements in higher education and postgraduate studies.

"Female students now make up 52.51 per cent of all tertiary-level students nationwide," she said. "At the doctoral level, women represent 10.32 per cent of total PhD candidates (145 out of 1,404)."

In economic empowerment, Phavi said women play a vital role as breadwinners.

"Cambodia has one of the highest female workforce participation rates in ASEAN, supported by economic growth and enabling ecosystems for decent jobs, entrepreneurship, and care services (social protection program and childcare facilities)," she said.

In health, the minister said maternal mortality dropped from 437 in 2,000 to 154 per 100,000 live births in 2022, thanks to better access to maternal health and reproductive services.

In GBV prevention, she said domestic violence prevalence dropped from 29 per cent in 2014 to 21 per cent in 2021 through the enhancement of multi-sectoral responses and victim-centred services at national and sub-national levels.

And in leadership, Phavi said women make up 42 per cent of civil servants and hold 27 per cent of decision-making roles.

"Women are not just beneficiaries, they are drivers of change, innovation, and resilience," she said.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
Impressive numbers! Maternal mortality dropping from 437 to 154 per 100,000 is remarkable progress. Shows how focused policies can transform women's health outcomes.
A
Anjali F
While the progress is commendable, I hope they address the gap in doctoral education - only 10.32% women at PhD level indicates there's still work to be done in higher leadership positions. But the journey is inspiring! ✨
S
Sarah B
The reduction in domestic violence from 29% to 21% is significant progress. Multi-sectoral approach seems to be working well for them. Every country should prioritize GBV prevention like this.
V
Vikram M
"Women are the backbone of Cambodia's economy" - this recognition at policy level is crucial. Their high female workforce participation in ASEAN is something we should study for our own policies. Good to see developing nations leading the way! 🇮🇳🤝🇰🇭
M
Michael C
The whole-of-government approach mentioned here is key. Gender equality can't be achieved by one ministry alone - it needs coordinated effort across all departments. Cambodia's 30-year journey shows sustained commitment pays off.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50