Prime Minister Hun Manet has called on all government institutions, development partners, the private sector and NGOs, as well as all members of the public, to embrace policies which promote gender equality, explaining that women are a catalyst for accelerating Cambodia’s socio-economic development.

His call came in a March 7 national address, released a day ahead of the 113th International Women’s Day, being celebrated under the theme “Women and Girls in the Digital Revolution”.

“We must all recognise that the role of women has evolved faster than expected, and they are now a major catalyst for positive development across all generations.

“The government has set the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls as a priority, under phase one of the Pentagonal Strategy. We will do so through developing an inclusive society, with women at the core,” he said.

Manet added that 69 per cent of women in Cambodia are considered economic entities, meaning the Kingdom is among the highest-ranked nations worldwide for female-owned businesses.

The premier also pledged to preserve the “noble legacy” of the previous government and long-term vision of then-Prime Minister Hun Sen, by increasing investment in gender equality and the empowerment of women in the economy, education and health sectors, as well as in leadership roles.

“[Hun Sen’s] win-win policy brought prosperity to women across Cambodia through peace. This created favourable conditions for the nation to develop and prosper, allowing the government to continuously expand its investment in social development and policies in response to gender equality and protect human rights, especially those of women,” he said.

Manet’s wife Pich Chanmony, who serves as general commissioner of the Girl Guides Association of Cambodia (GGAC), also spoke on the occasion. She explained that in the digital age, all individuals can choose their own skills and career path, and pursue their passions, regardless of gender.

“Everyone, including boys and girls, has the right to learn skills, choose their own career and participate in the Kingdom’s development,” she said.

She highlighted a shortage of women and girls in the digital sector, and pledged to take action.

“On the occasion of International Women’s Day, we must all be involved in empowering women and girls in the digital fields, the use of technology and education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics [STEM] and creative arts,” she added.

Eng Chandy, executive director of Gender and Development Cambodia (GADC), said on March 4 that many women appear to have a lower digital awareness than men, while online gender-based crime is on the rise.

“I would like to see digital professionals and stakeholders spread the word about digital abuse more widely than ever before, especially in Khmer. We should establish mechanisms to effectively support the victims of online abuse, both in terms of reporting and responding,” she added.

The National Centre for Peacekeeping Force (NPMEC) also celebrated the day, with the participation of around 200 officials and female soldiers from the centre, as well as women from the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA).

Malinda Kosal, deputy director-general of the centre, said International Women’s Day reflects the courage and perseverance of the international community to recognise that women have equal rights with men. They must have a social status which allows them to work and receive benefits, a status which women in ancient times never received.

“Thanks to the government’s focus on gender equality, women now hold key positions, from the sub-national level to the rank of deputy prime minister, in the legislature, the executive, the judiciary and the media, as well as in the field of peacekeeping. At least 20 per cent of the Kingdom’s blue helmet troops who have been deployed on UN missions were women,” she noted.