International Women’s Day in Cambodia: Call for Action on Gender Inequality
Civil Society Demands Government Action on Gender-Based Violence and Labor Rights
On March 8, 2025, Cambodia marked International Women’s Day with a call for tangible action to address gender-based violence, exploitation in the workplace, and economic insecurity. Despite a day of celebration, civil society organizations (CSOs) argued that meaningful progress is stalled without proper enforcement of existing laws and policies. The event, held at Freedom Park in Phnom Penh, brought together 79 organizations, mostly women, advocating for greater protection for women working in the informal economy and an end to systemic gender-based discrimination.
Among the key issues raised were the poor working conditions for women in sectors such as domestic work, waste collection, and transportation. Speakers shared stories of women suffering from low wages, unsafe working environments, and lack of social security. Women in the service industry, particularly in entertainment and casinos, also face high rates of sexual harassment and workplace discrimination. The Labor Rights Supported Union of Khmer Employees of NagaWorld (LRSU) highlighted how women in the casino sector are subjected to physical and verbal abuse, with union efforts to address these issues met with retaliation.
Land rights activists, many of whom are women, also voiced concerns about threats and harassment they face for advocating for land rights in rural areas. They called for a swift resolution to land registration issues, which disproportionately affect women and children.
While Cambodian laws to protect women exist, CSOs argue that weak enforcement and lack of political will prevent meaningful change. They issued a joint statement demanding better enforcement of labor protections, recognition of informal workers, and increased support for victims of gender-based violence.
Among the key issues raised were the poor working conditions for women in sectors such as domestic work, waste collection, and transportation. Speakers shared stories of women suffering from low wages, unsafe working environments, and lack of social security. Women in the service industry, particularly in entertainment and casinos, also face high rates of sexual harassment and workplace discrimination. The Labor Rights Supported Union of Khmer Employees of NagaWorld (LRSU) highlighted how women in the casino sector are subjected to physical and verbal abuse, with union efforts to address these issues met with retaliation.
Land rights activists, many of whom are women, also voiced concerns about threats and harassment they face for advocating for land rights in rural areas. They called for a swift resolution to land registration issues, which disproportionately affect women and children.
While Cambodian laws to protect women exist, CSOs argue that weak enforcement and lack of political will prevent meaningful change. They issued a joint statement demanding better enforcement of labor protections, recognition of informal workers, and increased support for victims of gender-based violence.
