Investing in Women and Girls Is a Wise and Indispensable Investment for the Nation

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Nov.14,2025) — National Assembly President Samdech Khuon Sudary on Friday opened the National Forum on “Women in Leadership and Governance,” stressing that investing in women and girls is essential for Cambodia’s future.

The forum, held under the theme “Women and Girls’ Leadership for All” at the Sokha Residence Hotel, drew more than 2,400 participants in person and online. It was organized by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs with support from development partners and institutions to boost women’s representation in leadership and encourage inclusive governance.

In her keynote, Sudary praised the government’s commitment to gender equality, saying women’s participation is vital for innovation, sustainable development and social resilience. “Investing in women and girls is a wise and indispensable investment for the nation,” she said.

She honored Senate President Hun Sen as the “Father of Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment” for his role in securing peace through the Win-Win Policy, and commended Prime Minister Hun Manet’s leadership in building an inclusive society centered on women.

Quoting Hun Manet, she added: “The world will be safer, brighter, and more beautiful if more women become leaders.”

Sudary reaffirmed Cambodia’s adherence to international frameworks including CEDAW, the Sustainable Development Goals and the Beijing Declaration, stressing that women’s rights are human rights and peace is the foundation of progress.

“Without peace, there is nothing, no gender equality, no development, only suffering and loss,” she said.

She also condemned the Nov. 12 shooting by Thai soldiers in Banteay Meanchey Province that killed one Cambodian civilian and injured several others, calling it “a brutal and inhumane act” that violated Cambodia’s sovereignty and international law. She urged the international community to hold Thailand accountable.

Sudary called on stakeholders to confront global challenges such as geopolitical tensions, post-pandemic recovery and digital transformation, which she said disproportionately affect women and children.

She noted that harmful social norms continue to hinder women’s participation in leadership. Concluding her remarks, Sudary said women’s leadership is not only a women’s issue but “a national cause that benefits all families, communities and the entire nation.”