Cambodia Rings the Bell for Gender Equality

The business case for gender equality in Cambodia

Cambodian women are crucial contributors to the nation’s economy, yet persistent structural barriers hinder their full and equitable participation.

Structural inequalities are starkly reflected in Cambodia’s labour market, where women are disproportionately represented in lower-paying and less-prestigious roles, while remaining underrepresented in senior, higher-paying positions. According to UN research, in 2021, only 29 per cent of managerial roles and a mere 25 per cent of senior and middle management positions were held by women.

Experts from SERC, CSX, ACLEDA Bank and the IFC discuss the business case for gender equality. Photo: UN Women/Lim Sophorn.

Addressing these challenges requires proactive engagement from the private sector. During a panel discussion at the event, industry leaders examined the business case for gender equality, emphasizing how inclusive workplaces and supply chains drive innovation, productivity and sustainable growth.

Sou Socheat, Director General of SERC, stated: “Investing in gender equality strengthens decision-making, risk management and long-term financial stability.”

Lee Min Suk, Director of CSX, underscored this point, stating: “Investors aren’t focusing on gender equality simply for ethical reasons. There is tangible evidence that organizations embracing diversity outperform their counterparts. Investors seek growth and profit, and globally, diversity has been shown to be a key driver of success.”

And many Cambodian businesses are rising to this challenge. Amara Mar, Senior Group Chief Financial Officer of ACLEDA Bank, said: “At ACLEDA Bank, we actively promote diversity and inclusion, ensuring that women’s voices are heard and valued at every level. By fostering gender equality, we create both social and economic benefits for all.”

Commitment to the WEPs

As part of the event, three companies were recognized for their commitment to the WEPs, bringing the total number of signatories in Cambodia to 18. These businesses join over 10,000 companies integrating gender equality and women’s empowerment into their operations worldwide.

Nicholas Spencer, CEO of IBIS Rice – one of the signatories – remarked: “To be sustainable and successful, women’s empowerment is key. We’ve seen slow progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and this is a wake-up call. There’s still a great deal to be done.”

Cambodia will participate alongside Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines in the UN Women GAL, a regional initiative supported by Australia's DFAT that engages businesses and partners in action-learning to co-create, test and scale transformative solutions aligned with the WEPs.

Building a more inclusive future

The success of Cambodia’s Ring the Bell for Gender Equality event signals the start of a long-term push for a more inclusive and prosperous society; one where business leaders, policymakers, and civil society work together to ensure equal opportunities for all.

Keo Sam Art, ACLEDA Bank, at the "Ring the Bell for Gender Equality" ceremony. Photo: UN Women/Lim Sophorn.

Sophea Khun, UN Women Cambodia Country Programme Coordinator, summed up the sentiment at the event, saying: “This movement is about action – breaking down barriers, closing opportunity gaps, and building a society where every woman and girl can thrive. The private sector plays a crucial role in driving this change, and their engagement is indispensable in this journey.”

Keo Sam Art, Head of the Legal Division at ACLEDA Bank, reflected on the event’s significance: “We all have an obligation – not just individually, but collectively – to achieve gender equality. Everyone must play their part in supporting and being accountable for their actions in fostering gender equality.”