Cambodia launches first Corporate Action Lab to advance inclusive business leadership
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Cambodia took a significant step towards gender equality in the workplace with the launch of its first Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) Corporate Action Lab in Phnom Penh on 10 November. The initiative, supported by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and delivered under UN Women’s regional Gender Action Lab programme, brings together 11 companies committed to transforming workplace equality from aspiration to action.
Tackling barriers to women’s leadership
Despite high levels of women’s participation in Cambodia’s labour force, few occupy senior or executive positions. Only 27 per cent of senior and middle management positions are held by women, a disparity shaped by deep-rooted gender norms, limited leadership opportunities and unequal caregiving responsibilities.
Cambodia’s inaugural WEPs Corporate Action Lab, Fostering Inclusive Leadership for Gender Equality in Business, is designed to tackle these challenges through a structured six-to-nine-month journey that equips companies to co-create, test and scale gender-transformative solutions. As a cohort-based initiative, WEPs Corporate Action Lab gives businesses a clear platform to innovate together, share what works and track their progress. In doing so, it helps companies lead change from within and contributes to more inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Cambodia.
“This is about businesses working together to break down systemic barriers and design practical solutions that work in the Cambodian context,” said Sophea Khun of UN Women. “Inclusive leadership is not just aspirational; it is achievable when companies are supported to act.”
Change-makers leading the way
The inaugural cohort of WEPs change-makers includes companies across sectors such as infrastructure, hospitality, agriculture, social enterprise and consulting. Participants include Bun and Associates, Cambodia Airports, COVA, Cambodia Development and Support, EpicArts Café, IBIS Rice, Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority, Phnom Penh Autonomous Port, Prudential, Rosewood and SUDrain.
For Thary Vorn, CEO and founder of SUDrain Co., Ltd., WEPs Corporate Action Lab offers both a strategic opportunity and a values-driven platform: “We want to raise awareness that women are vital to economic supply chains and growth.”
Cambodia Airports sees value in the peer-learning approach. “This programme will give us tools to improve gender equality and track progress, while learning from others on the same journey,” said Labour Relations Manager Thearith Say.
Across the launch event, speakers underlined that inclusive leadership is not only a moral imperative but a competitive advantage.
“Inclusion is not just talk,” said Molika Chau, CEO of Cambodian Standard Development and Supply Co., Ltd. “It means listening, organizing and acting. Transforming inclusive culture into action.”
“We need more women at the decision-making table,” added Leila Rostom, Country Manager of COVA Cambodia. “Our industry relies on collaboration and diverse leadership makes us all stronger.”
From commitment to impact
Throughout the Corporate Action Lab, companies will use a range of resources from the WEPs Toolkit to assess their current practices, design targeted interventions and receive tailored coaching. In the short term, the Lab aims to align internal policies with gender equality goals, enhance compliance with labour and anti-discrimination laws, and embed gender inclusion into business strategies.
Through a new partnership between UN Women and EuroCham Cambodia, the Lab will now reach more companies, connecting European and local businesses that are ready to put gender equality at the centre of how they work.
“Invest in people. That’s what we all do,” said EuroCham Chair Gabriele Faja. “Our job is to ensure equal representation at the table, so our talent pool is truly diverse.”
Participating WEPs change-makers are charting a path towards gender-responsive business practices that empower women to lead, thrive and drive sustainable growth.
“It’s not just about business or profit,” said Chau. “It’s about creating meaningful impact for society.”