AKP Phnom Penh, March 06, 2026 -- Cambodia’s National Assembly President Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary was praised as an inspiring role model for women and girls during a courtesy visit by senior parliamentary officials ahead of the 115th anniversary of International Women’s Day on Mar. 8.

H.E. Leng Peng Long, Secretary-General of the National Assembly, led a delegation of senior officials from the National Assembly Secretariat to extend their greetings and best wishes to the National Assembly President during a meeting at the National Assembly Palace on Friday morning.

Speaking on behalf of the Secretariat, H.E.  Leng Peng Long commended Samdech Khuon Sudary’s leadership, saying it had guided Cambodia’s legislature to achieve notable accomplishments in serving the nation and its people. He said that under her stewardship, the National Assembly has continued to strengthen its standing internationally while promoting parliamentary dialogue and people-centered governance.

He also described the National Assembly President as a prominent role model for women and girls, noting that she is the first woman in Cambodia’s history to be elected by the Cambodian People’s Party to lead the National Assembly. In that role, she has actively championed gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, while encouraging their participation in social, political and economic spheres both domestically and internationally.

In response, Samdech Khuon Sudary expressed appreciation for the work of the National Assembly Secretariat, praising its continued institutional reforms and professional development efforts that have strengthened support for lawmakers.

She said these efforts have enabled members of parliament to carry out their duties more effectively and efficiently in serving the nation and its people.

The National Assembly President added that the achievements of the National Assembly would not have been possible without the dedication and support of the Secretariat’s leadership and staff.

International Women’s Day 2026 marks its 115th anniversary under the theme “Peace and Security for Women and Families.”

Samdech Khuon Sudary said the theme carries particular significance for Cambodian women and girls, stressing the importance of peace and stability, especially as women often bear the greatest hardships during conflicts and threats to national sovereignty by Thai invasions.

She said the occasion serves not only as a reminder of the long struggle for rights, freedom and equality, but also as a tribute to women worldwide for their vital role in supporting families, communities and national development.

Samdech Khuon Sudary also noted that women’s rights in Cambodia have steadily advanced since the country’s liberation on Jan. 7, 1979. She recalled that former Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen had long described women as the “backbone of the economy,” while current Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet has emphasised that greater female leadership can help build a safer and more harmonious world.

By K. Rithy Reak