Originally reported by The Phnom Penh Post. Adapted for The Better Cambodia.
In a landmark moment for Cambodia and women around the world, Lieutenant Colonel Sorm Leangy has made history as the nation’s first female unit commander deployed to the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon. At just 33 years old, her journey from a small village in Cambodia to leading a contingent of 180 personnel — including 38 women — is an inspiring testament to resilience, leadership, and the transformative power of inclusion.
Her appointment as unit commander during Cambodia’s 14th rotation to Lebanon in 2024 was more than a personal achievement — it was a milestone for gender equality in peacekeeping operations globally. Under her leadership, the Cambodian Multi-role Engineering Unit carried out crucial assignments in a complex conflict zone, showcasing Cambodia’s growing role in international peace efforts.
Since joining the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) in 2012 and graduating from the Cadet Officer School in 2016, Lt. Col. Leangy has proven herself time and again. Her expertise was sharpened through training at Cambodia’s Peacekeeping Training Center, covering logistics, demining, and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), and later enhanced internationally through a GPOI course in Bangladesh.
Her operational record includes two deployments to Mali under the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission (MINUSMA) — first as a food officer in 2018 and then as a logistics officer and deputy commander of the Cambodian Airfield Engineering Company in 2022. Each mission brought new challenges, but also opportunities for growth and recognition.
In Lebanon, where she served under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Lt. Col. Leangy faced the dual challenge of leading in a high-stakes environment and overcoming skepticism as a female commander. “If I didn’t succeed, some might say women aren’t suited for such roles,” she shared. But through clear communication, calm decision-making, and a strong sense of empathy, she won the trust and respect of her team.
Her story was prominently featured by UN Women, which praised her unique leadership style — combining patience with decisiveness, and empathy with strength — a style that challenges long-held stereotypes in military contexts.
“Women are fully capable of leading,” she stated. “We contribute with understanding and calmness — but we’re also able to take firm action when necessary.”
Lt. Col. Leangy’s impact goes beyond the battlefield. Her ability to connect with local communities and defuse tensions is a vital asset in peacekeeping. “Women are able to form meaningful relationships with communities, help reduce conflict, and handle sensitive situations,” she noted — a sentiment echoed by peacekeeping experts worldwide.
Her leadership is part of a broader push by the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) and the United Nations to increase women’s participation in peace operations. From 2022 to 2024, Cambodia, with support from UN Women and the Elsie Initiative Fund, undertook a barrier assessment to improve gender-responsive recruitment and deployment. As a result, the proportion of women in Cambodia’s peacekeeping contingents rose from 16.5% to 20%.
Back home, Lt. Col. Leangy now serves at the National Centre for Peacekeeping Forces, Mine and Explosive Remnants of War Clearance (NPMEC). Here, she continues to make a difference — this time by mentoring the next generation of Cambodian peacekeepers. Her dedication was recognized with a Gold Medal from the RCAF and a UN Medal for her service.
To young women aspiring to follow in her footsteps, she offers simple but powerful advice:
“Believe in your potential. Be brave enough to face the obstacles. And never forget — women are just as capable as men in getting the job done.”
Her example is a living proof that empowering women in peacekeeping not only uplifts individuals — it strengthens missions, improves community outcomes, and builds lasting peace.
As UN Women notes, increasing women’s participation in peace and security leads to more effective, inclusive, and sustainable peacekeeping efforts. The success of Lt. Col. Sorm Leangy stands as a powerful endorsement of this principle.
Even international figures have taken note. Dominic Williams, British Ambassador to Cambodia, shared his pride in the UK’s support for the UN Women Asia and the Pacific project, which champions such inspiring leadership.
Lieutenant Colonel Sorm Leangy is not only a Cambodian hero — she is a global symbol of progress, courage, and the extraordinary contributions women bring to peacekeeping.
The Better Cambodia proudly celebrates her as one of our Unsung Heroes.
