AKP Phnom Penh, March 06, 2026 -- Peace and security are fundamental to the well-being of women and families in Cambodia, providing the safe environment necessary for them to thrive, a senior Cambodian official said on Friday.

“For Cambodia, peace and security are the foundation of women’s and families’ well-being, creating a favourable environment that allows them to live in safety,” said Samdech Kitti Sangahapundit Men Sam An, Member of the Supreme Privy Council to His Majesty’s the King and President of the Cambodian Women’s Association for Peace and Development.

She was speaking at a Ministry of Tourism event commemorating the 115th International Women’s Day, celebrated this year under the theme “Peace and Security for Women and Families.”

The event also highlighted the Royal Government’s efforts to promote gender equality. 

Tourism Minister H.E. Huot Hak stated that his ministry is actively working to empower women within the sector, viewing it as crucial for fostering resilient and sustainable development.

"We are focused on creating an enabling environment and opportunities for women to fully participate in exercising their rights and responsibilities," H.E. Huot Hak said, adding that the Ministry is implementing strategic plans to enhance gender equality in what is often called the "green gold" sector.

According to data presented at the event, women constitute a significant portion of the tourism workforce. Nearly 60 percent of the sector's total labour force is female, with women present across all tourism-related services. Within the ministry itself, women make up over 34 percent of civil servants and more than 51 percent of contract staff.

Samdech Men Sam An underscored that this year's International Women's Day theme was chosen to highlight the indispensable role of peace and security for women and families. It also serves to acknowledge women's active contribution to building and preserving peace, while calling for urgent action to eliminate barriers that negatively impact them.

"Peace and security provide a safe environment, free from violence and fear," she said. "This protects women and girls from gender-based violence, safeguards their rights, and provides them with full opportunities to participate in decision-making, and to build and maintain both traditional and non-traditional peace and security."

This, she added, will help accelerate national economic development and enhance the well-being and prosperity of families and society.

By K. Rithy Reak