New targets have been set to boost the number of women in positions of influence, according to an initiative launched yesterday by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs.

The goals, which include pushing the female percentage of new hires in the civil service from 20 to 50 per cent in 2016, were outlined as officials urged Cambodian women to join forces to strive for leadership in the workplace and family.

Deputy Prime Minister Men Sam An said that the government would seek to promote women as deputy governors throughout local district and commune offices, as well as across ministries and the armed forces.

According to Ing Kantha Phavi, minister of Women’s Affairs, the number of women in the Senate has increased by about 1.5 per cent over the past six years, while representation in the National Assembly has risen from 6 to 20 per cent since 1993.

“The position of women in state institutions is increasing each year, but there are still obstacles such as promoting women to high positions in politics,” she explained.

“Women are also often busy with domestic work rather than their careers and lack support from their family.”