Phnom Penh (FN), Mar. 7 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet affirmed that the Royal Government continues to prioritize the promotion of gender equality, women and girl empowerment across all fields within the Pentagon Strategy-Phase I, which aims to strengthen citizenship in a highly civilized society characterized by morality, equity, and an environment where women are at the core.
The premier addressed on Thursday (Mar. 7) on the occasion of the 113rd anniversary of the International Women's Day on 8 March 2024 under the theme “Women and Girls in Digital Transformation”.
Samdech Thipadei underlined that the seventh-mandate Royal Government will uphold the noble legacy of the previous administration under the wise leadership and long-term vision of Samdech Techo Hun Sen. The government will increase investment in the gender agenda and empower women across various sectors, including economy, education, health, and leadership roles to capitalise on gender dividends. It will also strive to reduce vulnerability to gender-based violence against women and girls while promoting intergenerational relationships.
The win-win policy has brought prosperity to women in Cambodia peacefully, creating favourable conditions for the country's development and prosperity, enabling the Royal Government to continuously expand investment. Social development and the implementation of gender-responsive political programs, alongside the protection of human rights and the broader promotion of women's rights, include as follow:
- In education, the gender gap at the primary and secondary levels has been eliminated.
- Cambodian women actively participate and play a crucial role in improving family living conditions and driving economic, familial, and social growth. Women comprise approximately 69 per cent of the total economic units in Cambodia, and the country ranks among the top countries globally where women are free to start businesses.
- The maternal mortality rate has steadily declined from 437 per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 154 per 100,000 live births in 2022.
- Women workers receive three months of maternity leave with 120 per cent salary, along with a government subsidy of 400,000 Riels for childbirth and 800,000 Riels for twins. For triplets, they receive one million and 200,000 Riels, in addition to Samdech Techo's support of five million Riels.
- Culture, non-violence, social morality, and the preservation of the dignity of women and Cambodian family values are continuously promoted as indispensable for citizenship in a highly civilized society characterized by morality, equity, and environmental consciousness.
=FRESH NEWS
