New report identifies barriers and opportunities to increase the deployment of Cambodian women to UN Peacekeeping Operations

Phnom Penh, Cambodia — The Government of Cambodia released today a report that identifies opportunities to increase the deployment of women in the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) and subsequently, in the United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping Operations.

With the support of the Elsie Initiative Fund, the Measuring Opportunities for Women in Peace Operations (MOWIP) report for Cambodia has been prepared by RCAF, using the MOWIP methodology designed by DCAF and Cornell University. The report includes a comprehensive set of recommendations to promote gender equality in the armed forces. Cambodia is the first ASEAN Member State and the second country in Asia-Pacific to conduct such study.

Committed to advancing the women, peace and security agenda, Cambodia aims to increase its deployment of military women to UN Peacekeeping operations to 20 per cent by 2024. The report marks a crucial step in translating this commitment into concrete actions. Through a comprehensive assessment, the document identifies specific challenges and opportunities for the meaningful participation of women in the RCAF.

H. E. General Sem Sovanny, Director-General of the National Centre for Peacekeeping Force said, “In accordance with the Pentagonal strategy – Phase 1 of the Royal Government of Cambodia, under the leadership of Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet; Prime Minister of Kingdom of Cambodia, which continues to set the promotion of gender equality and women empowerment in all sectors as a priority, women in the armed forces are included in all expertise and positions including demining, explosive ordnance disposal, staff officer and military observer, and leadership positions up to Commanding Officers like those who are currently leading the contingents in UN mission in Lebanon and South Sudan. All these positive points are valuable lessons that the MOWIP report noted as Cambodia’s successful approach for sharing with other troop contributing countries.”

The report outlines several essential recommendations for capacity building and training support for both female and male officers. It emphasizes the importance of enhancing skills beyond those required for unit deployment, including pre-deployment technical and practical training. Additionally, it addresses the specific needs of women during deployment, such as the provision of healthcare and mental health support.

To promote an enabling environment, the report suggests concrete measures such as implementing official parental leave policies and addressing gender and social norms. These steps aim to combat misconceptions and stigma surrounding women’s deployment. The report also highlights the significance of recruitment campaigns by the RCAF and the visibility of female role models and trailblazers within the institution and broader society.

The findings and recommendations from the report will guide policy formulation and institutional reforms. These efforts aim to overcome identified challenges and promote the full and meaningful participation of women in the military.

The RCAF is committed to further collaborate with key stakeholders, including the National Center for Peacekeeping Forces, Mine and Explosive Remnants of War Clearance (NPMEC), the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, and other government partners. Together, they will ensure that the recommendations are incorporated into policies, national action plans, and programs across key government departments.

Jo Scheuer, UN Resident Coordinator to Cambodia highlighted that the project is a major landmark in supporting Cambodia’s effort to increase women’s meaningful participation in UN Peacekeeping operations, a concrete example of multilateralism in action. He said, “The report launched today is a testament to the commitment of the Cambodian government and the armed forces to concretely address women’s participation in peacekeeping operations. … This is not a theoretical exercise, nor about ticking a box nor satisfying an agenda. This is about continuing to build, to strengthen and to support Cambodian peacekeepers in the field – to make them safer, stronger and more effective”

In close partnership with the NPMEC and RCAF, UN Women Cambodia managed the project. As a long-standing partner, UN Women Cambodia has been instrumental in supporting the Cambodian government in empowering women and advancing gender equality. Moving forward, UN Women Cambodia will continue to support Cambodia in the next phase of the project, including implementing the recommendations from the assessment.

Christine Arab, UN Women Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, said “As Cambodia has started the process to develop its first National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, this assessment will be crucial in promoting the meaningful role and participation of women in UN Peacekeeping Operations. Cambodia has been one of the regional leaders in this area. I hope this milestone will inspire other ASEAN Member States to also increase women’s participation and leadership in peace and security roles,” she added.

Cambodia is the 1st highest contributor of women peacekeepers among the ASEAN Member States. With this project, Cambodia aims to go beyond the gender targets set in the UN’s Uniformed Gender Parity Strategy of 11 per cent by 2024.

Read the full report here