Cambodian women make headway in contributing to economic growth

Cambodian women make headway in contributing to economic growth

On the eve of International Women’s Day (March 8), Khmer Times pays tribute to women, who despite facing odds have become an indispensable force in promoting and accelerating the GDP growth of the Kingdom

Cambodia’s two principal sectors – the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and the garment, footwear and travel goods (GFT) industry – are overwhelmingly dominated by women, with the GFT making up over 70 percent of the workforce.

A recent data from the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI) shows that MSMEs contribute around 60 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), while the GFT chips in 15-20 percent through export earnings. Women play a vital role in both these sectors, driving socio-economic growth and the national economy.

MSME entrepreneurs face barriers such as limited access to finance, market opportunities and digital skills, while gender norms restrict business growth and leadership roles.

Those in low-paying, labour-intensive jobs endure long hours, occupational health risks and minimal social protections, with few career advancement opportunities. Despite these challenges, women remain key contributors to economic progress.

Khmer Times talked to some women employees in a garment factory in Sangkat Toek Thla, Khan Sen Sok, Phnom Penh.

Keo Phary (38) shared the challenges of balancing a gruelling job with traditional housewife duties. Spending long hours in stitching garments leaves her little time for childcare and cooking, while low wages barely support her family.

Meanwhile, societal norms expect women to prioritise household responsibilities over personal well-being, further amplifying exhaustion and stress. Her experience reflects the struggles that many female garment workers face, underscoring the need for better wages, workplace protections and social support systems.

Srey Nalin (32), a grocery seller in Chbar Ampov district in the capital, maintained that all people, regardless of gender or economic status, must have equal rights.

She noted that today, women and men are equally capable. Unlike in the past, when women were seen as misfits for major roles or decision-making, these outdated mindsets are gradually changing. Women can now pursue higher education, leadership roles and entrepreneurship without discrimination. “Even though I don’t work in an office, I’m proud to support my family through my business, with my husband respecting my role in managing our income and household,” she said.

Despite these barriers, Cambodian women remain key drivers of economic growth. Targeted policies, financial inclusion and skills development are crucial to improving their working conditions, enhancing resilience, promoting gender equality and ensuring sustainable economic empowerment.

Recognizing these concerns, the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) organized the 114th anniversary of International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025 on March 2 under the theme ‘Rights, Equality and Empowerment for All Women and Girls.’

In a message, Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk emphasised the significance of IWD, highlighting its annual celebration as a tribute to the bravery of women worldwide in their fight for rights, freedom, democracy and gender equality in society.

“I commend all Cambodian women for their perseverance, sacrifices and active participation in every aspect of society, including economic development, family responsibilities, community work and social contributions,” she said, adding, “I wish all women full protection, support and opportunities to continue realising their potential in the ongoing development of our nation.”

The Queen Mother also called upon the government and relevant institutions to continue supporting gender equality policies, benefitting over half of the country’s population who are women and to remain committed to advancing the well-being and prosperity of all citizens.

The First Lady of Cambodia Pich Chanmony and also Honorary President of the National Committee for the Promotion of Social Morality, Women and Khmer Family Values, in a message congratulating the IWD 2025 said that promoting the rights, equality and empowerment of girls and women is not only a priority for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals but also a necessity, an opportunity and a new catalyst to accelerate the achievement of gender equality and sustainable, inclusive socio-economic development.

She said, “I would like to join women across the Kingdom and around the world in celebrating the 114th anniversary of International Women’s Day on March 8 under the theme ‘Rights, Equality and Empowerment for All Women and Girls,’ as we work together to enhance the empowerment of women and girls.”

Moreover, empowering women not only increases success for women themselves but also contributes to the progress and prosperity of society and a whole nation, Chanmony added

She went on to say that women and girls are agents of innovative change and an indispensable force in promoting and accelerating development across all sectors.

“We must all recognise, support, value and create an environment where women and girls can fully participate and equally benefit from development in all sectors. The goal is to strengthen citizenship in a highly civilized, ethical, equitable and inclusive society where women are at the centre,” Chanmony said.

On March 4, Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly (NA), met with a delegation of women from 15 national and sub-national institutions, totalling over 300 people, led by Ing Kantha Phavi, Minister of Women’s Affairs (MWA), at the National Assembly to celebrate the 114th International Women’s Day earlier.

In her remarks, the NA President said that it is only through the peace in the country that women in Cambodia are respected, given the status and role in society that they are today.

“The role and status of women in society are linked to the political situation of each nation. In a peaceful society, women have rights, freedom and status. However, in a society at war, they lose all their rights, including the basic right to survival,” said Sudary.

She stated that women are the backbone of the national economy and that the new government led by Prime Minister Hun Manet has placed high priority on promoting women’s rights and equality, as outlined in the Pentagonal Strategy – Phase One.

“The world will be safer, greener and warmer if more women become leaders, as women are the heart of the family,” she added.

Speaking to Khmer Times, Keo Mom, President of Chamber of the Professional and Micro-Enterprises of Cambodia and also Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Lyly Food Industry, noted that in this generation, women enjoy many rights and actively participate in various roles in society, supported by both the government and their families.

“From my perspective, we can see that women now have numerous rights and contribute significantly to society, thanks to the support of both the government and their families. Discrimination, criticism and mockery have greatly diminished and instead, we now recognise and celebrate the accomplishments of women,” she said.

Mom encouraged all women to love themselves more, motivate themselves, and believe in their abilities. She believes that women are endowed with many wonderful qualities by nature.

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