The US embassy in Cambodia announced the formation of a new initiative aimed at empowering women in business through a business-focused curriculum, mentorship, and network building.

The Academy of Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) in Cambodia is funded by the US Department of State.

“I am proud to say that the US has been at the forefront of the policy discussion on empowering women for years,” said embassy chargé d’affaires Bridgette Walker, during the September 10 opening ceremony in Phnom Penh.

“This year, the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs will serve as our premier initiative for our #EmpowerNeary campaign, which celebrates and supports women achieving their full potential,” she explained.

Walker and Minister of Commerce Cham Nimul presided over the launch, which featured 30 of the inaugural AWE participants from Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

These impressive women are working in many diverse fields, including hospitality and sustainable energy.  

US entrepreneurship expert Melinda Emerson delivered a keynote address to the participants, while Leslie Kiernan, general counsel of the US Department of Commerce, was featured in a video address.

Attendees were welcomed with a powerful performance by MeDha, Cambodia’s first all-women drumming troupe.

“AWE is an initiative of the US government which aims to gives enterprising women the knowledge, networks and access they need to launch and scale successful businesses and harnesses the power of public-private sponsors, local partnerships and US Exchange Alumni networks to help women and their businesses grow,” according to the embassy.

Applicants commit to nine months of participation in the programme, which includes online learning, in-person events, an exhibition day and post-programme support.