Cambodia calls for gender-inclusive climate action, highlights disproportionate impact on women

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Oct.02, 2025) — Cambodia’s Minister of Women’s Affairs, Ing Kantha Phavi, has called for stronger gender integration in climate change policies, warning that women and girls are disproportionately affected by climate-related challenges.

Speaking at a national workshop titled “Strengthening Gender Mainstreaming and Climate Change Response Actions in Cambodia,” Phavi emphasized that addressing climate change requires inclusive participation from all sectors of society—men and women, families, communities, and institutions.

“Climate change is a global issue, but its impacts are not felt equally,” Phavi said. “Women and children, especially in vulnerable communities, often bear the greatest burdens due to biological, economic, and social factors.”

She stressed that women must be recognized not only as vulnerable groups but also as leaders and agents of change. “Women are decision-makers and innovators. Their involvement is essential for building sustainable, inclusive, and resilient communities,” she said.

Phavi urged development partners, civil society organizations, and government agencies to continue supporting gender mainstreaming in climate policy and implementation.

The workshop brought together officials from multiple ministries, members of Gender Mainstreaming Action Groups, and Climate Change Technical Working Groups. It reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to a gender-responsive climate strategy, which supports the country’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 55 percent by 2035.