Cambodia Launches Women’s Entrepreneurship Center to Boost Economic Participation

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 3, 2025) — Cambodia has launched a new Women’s Economic Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Development Center aimed at expanding women’s role in the economy through training, startup support and greater market access.

First Lady Pich Chanmony Hun Manet presided over the opening ceremony, calling women “the backbone of Cambodia’s economy” and stressing their indispensable role in national development. She said the center reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening women’s capacity and creating new opportunities for economic participation.

The WEE-DC will provide business skills training, mentorship for women-led startups, research and innovation programs, and initiatives to connect entrepreneurs with domestic and international markets. Women attending the launch welcomed the initiative, saying it will give them access to resources and networks needed to grow their businesses.

Officials said the center is part of the government’s Pentagon Strategy — Phase I — which identifies gender equality and women’s empowerment as national priorities. The strategy emphasizes that women’s economic participation is central to Cambodia’s long-term growth and social progress.

By focusing on entrepreneurship and innovation, the new center aims to position women as key drivers of Cambodia’s economic resilience and competitiveness in the years ahead.