Phnom Penh: The Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI) marked the 114th International Women’s Day under the theme ‘For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.’ The celebration highlighted the critical role and contribution of women to Cambodia’s economic and social transformation, said MISTI.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, speaking at MISTI’s celebration of International Women’s Day on Mar. 5, 2025, Samdech Men Sam An, Member of the Supreme Privy Council to His Majesty the King and President of the Cambodian Women for Peace and Development Association, emphasised that Cambodia’s policies and strategic plans aim to build a fair, civilised, moral, equitable, and inclusive society where women play a central role in development.

‘The Royal Government of Cambodia is committed to prioritising gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls across all sectors, including economic, health and education,’ Samdech Men Sam An added.

H.E. Minister Hem Vanndy echoed this commitment, stressing that “women are important agents who play a key role in bringing about positive societal change.” He highlighted the significant contributions of women to Cambodia’s industrial and SME sector, noting that in 2024 alone, 326 new large-scale factories were established, bringing the total to 2,425 factories with a female workforce of 854,819 out of 1,160,181 workers. Women entrepreneurs also play a vital role, with 8,347 women-led SMEs and handicrafts employing over 145,000 women.

‘Cambodia’s exports are made up of a significant contribution of work by women in factories-enterprises and production establishments across the country. This is women’s great contribution to Cambodia’s socio-economic development,’ the minister stated. He underscored the government’s ongoing efforts to support women through policies that enhance access to education, economic opportunities, and leadership roles, ensuring that women continue to drive Cambodia’s economic and social progress.

H.E. Hem Vanndy also encouraged women to continuously enhance their skills and capabilities while calling on all leaders to foster an environment that enables women to take on greater decision-making and leadership roles.