AKP Phnom Penh, March 09, 2026 --

Cambodia’s Minister of Information H.E. Neth Pheaktra called for renewed investment in women's empowerment on Monday, framing gender equality as essential for national development amid ongoing regional border tensions.

H.E. Minister Neth Pheaktra, speaking at an International Women’s Day event at the Ministry, urged stakeholders to strengthen women’s “psychological well-being, security and freedoms,” describing them as an indispensable force for the economy.

This year’s theme, “Peace and Security for Women and Families,” carries particular weight, he noted, praising the resilience of women, particularly military families, who provided moral support to troops and mobilised humanitarian aid for civilians displaced by the Thai invasion.

The Minister called for targeted investment to ensure women have the authority to participate in decision-making across all sectors, including the economy, education, and healthcare. “Empowering women and girls,” he stated, “is essential for Cambodia’s sustainable development and long-term prosperity.”

The event was co-hosted with the Cambodian Women for Peace and Development Association at the Ministry of Information.

By K. Rithy Reak