AKP Phnom Penh, October 13, 2025 -- Speaking at the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women under the theme “One Shared Future: New and Accelerated Process for Women’s All-Round Development,” Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia, reaffirmed Cambodia’s strong and ongoing commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment.

“Since 1995, Cambodia has embraced the Beijing Platform for Action as a guideline of national development. Women are the backbone of our society and economy,” Samdech stated.

She underscored that Cambodia’s progress stems from a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, which has significantly transformed women’s participation in education, health, governance, and the economy.

Samdech Khuon Sudary noted that gender parity has been achieved in primary and secondary education, with more women now pursuing higher education, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Maternal mortality has seen a remarkable decline—from 437 per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 154 in 2022—while domestic violence decreased from 29 percent in 2014 to 21 percent in 2021, reflecting the success of stronger laws and survivor-centered support systems.

She further highlighted women’s increasing leadership in entrepreneurship and community development, citing expanded access to employment and finance, and the fact that women now represent 42 percent of civil servants and 28 percent of leadership positions within public institutions. She also paid tribute to the more than 800 Cambodian women who have served proudly in United Nations peacekeeping missions, contributing to global peace and security.

Reflecting on the occasion, Samdech Khuon Sudary said, “It is my honour to join this historic commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action — a landmark that continues to guide our shared commitment to advancing women’s empowerment and gender equality.” She also commended the People’s Republic of China for its leadership and dedication to this cause.

While celebrating these achievements, Samdech Khuon Sudary acknowledged that more must be done to ensure that every woman and girl can fully realise her potential.

“Of course, challenges remain, and we need to do more to realize the full potential of every woman and girl,” she affirmed, calling for continued collective efforts to advance equality, dignity, and opportunity for all.

AKP-National Assembly