Tourism critical to economic growth, women’s empowerment

Tourism critical to economic growth, women’s empowerment

The tourism sector is a key driver of economic growth and an engine for creating job opportunities for local people as well as promoting gender equality, and enhancing the empowerment of women and girls in Cambodia, said Men Sam An, a member of the Supreme Privy Council of the King and also the President of the Cambodian Women’s Association for Peace and Development.

Addressing the 114th Anniversary of International Women’s Day, themed ‘Right, Equality and Empowerment for All Women and Girls’ that included the announcement of the committee members of the Cambodian Women’s Association for Peace and Development (CWAPD) branch of the Ministry of Tourism, on Saturday, Sam An said that this year’s theme highlights the importance of achieving and implementing rights, promoting gender equality, and enhancing the empowerment of all women and girls in Cambodia.

She said that the theme also focuses on working together synergistically to leverage the gender dividend through a unified approach to livelihoods, driving economic growth and improving social well-being.

“The tourism sector is a key driver of economic growth and an engine for creating numerous job opportunities. It has actively contributed to promoting macroeconomic growth and development across all sectors, particularly the private sector, by enhancing the business and investment climate, which serves as a source of income and employment,” Sam An emphasised.

She congratulated Song Thida, who was appointed as the honorary Chairwoman of the Cambodian Women’s Association for Peace and Development for the Ministry of Tourism.

She also instructed the Provincial Women’s Association Branch Committee, to continue strengthening efforts in all activities. This includes improving working methods, reporting, and clearly dividing roles, tasks, and responsibilities among the leadership of the Women’s Association Branch Committee, sub-branches, and throughout the organisation.

“These efforts should be carried out more broadly and deeply, in alignment with the policy of the head of the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC), which recognises women are the backbone of our economy and national society,” said Sam An.

According to the Royal Message of Her Majesty Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk ahead of International Women’s Day, she stated that the Pentagonal Strategy, Phase 1 of the 7th mandate of the Royal Government, led by Prime Minister Hun Manet, has primarily focused on developing human capital and increasing investment in gender advancement.

The Queen Mother message emphasized enhancing the empowerment of women in the economic, education, health, and public leadership sectors at all levels, while also ensuring the respect and protection of all citizens’ rights and freedoms.

“I would like to express my deep gratitude to my fellow countrymen, civil servants from all ministries and institutions, the private sector, sub-national administrations, non-governmental organizations, and all national and international development partners who have continuously participated in implementing the first phase of the government’s Pentagonal policy and strategy,” Queen Mother said, adding that, “This effort is aimed at building a strong foundation towards achieving Cambodia’s vision for 2030 and 2050 with equity and modernity.”

khmertimeskh