Phnom penh: Peace and security are fundamental to the well-being of women and families in Cambodia, providing the safe environment necessary for them to thrive, a senior Cambodian official said on Friday.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Samdech Kitti Sangahapundit Men Sam An, Member of the Supreme Privy Council to His Majesty the King and President of the Cambodian Women's Association for Peace and Development, emphasized the critical role of peace and security in fostering a favorable environment for women and families. She spoke at a Ministry of Tourism event commemorating the 115th International Women's Day, celebrated under the theme 'Peace and Security for Women and Families.'
The event also highlighted the Royal Government's efforts to promote gender equality. Tourism Minister H.E. Huot Hak stated that his ministry is actively working to empower women within the sector, viewing it as crucial for fostering resilient and sustainable development. He mentioned that the ministry is focused on creating an enabling environment and opportunities for women to fully participate in exercising their rights and responsibilities, implementing strategic plans to enhance gender equality in the tourism sector.
According to data presented at the event, women constitute a significant portion of the tourism workforce. Nearly 60 percent of the sector's total labor force is female, with women present across all tourism-related services. Within the ministry itself, women make up over 34 percent of civil servants and more than 51 percent of contract staff.
Samdech Men Sam An underscored that this year's International Women's Day theme was chosen to highlight the indispensable role of peace and security for women and families. It also serves to acknowledge women's active contribution to building and preserving peace, while calling for urgent action to eliminate barriers that negatively impact them. She noted that peace and security provide a safe environment, free from violence and fear, which protects women and girls from gender-based violence, safeguards their rights, and provides them with full opportunities to participate in decision-making, and to build and maintain both traditional and non-traditional peace and security.
She concluded by stating that such measures will help accelerate national economic development and enhance the well-being and prosperity of families and society.