Cambodia Reports Decline in Violence Against Women During Talks With Australia

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Nov. 3, 2025) — Cambodia’s minister of women’s affairs reported a decline in violence against women, from 29% in 2014 to 21% in 2022, during a meeting with Australia’s ambassador for gender equality.

Ung Kantha Phavy met with Ambassador Michelle O’Byrne in a courtesy meeting to exchange experiences and strengthen cooperation on gender equality policies.

Discussions focused on preventing gender-based violence, including online abuse, women’s economic empowerment and the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

Ung Kantha Phavy attributed the decline to collaboration among government ministries and partner organizations, citing multisectoral services, legal protections, training for law enforcement and judicial personnel, and livelihood support for survivors.

She highlighted Cambodia’s leadership in developing a regional action plan on Women, Peace and Security, tools for localizing WPS at the community level and a national WPS situation analysis. Cambodia plans to adopt its first national action plan on WPS in 2026.

The minister expressed concern over the rise of digital gender-based violence, describing it as an increasingly prevalent form of abuse.

O’Byrne welcomed the discussion, noting that Australia faces similar challenges and shared the country’s response strategies, pledging ongoing cooperation.

Ung Kantha Phavy also announced that Cambodia will inaugurate a Women’s Economic and Entrepreneurship Development Centre on Dec. 3, 2025, to serve as a national hub supporting women’s economic empowerment and business development.