On the eve of the 113th International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8, 2024 the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism organized a pivotal event at its Phnom Penh headquarters to discuss the vital role of women in the digital transformation of the nation’s economy. The event featured a speech by the Minister for Tourism, Sok Soken, who delved into the array of challenges that women face as Cambodia moves towards a more digitalized economic framework.
During his address, Minister Soken emphasized the ministry’s commitment to gender inclusivity, advocating for increased involvement of women in leadership and other significant roles within the sector. “Our goal is for the tourism industry to not only be competitive and inclusive but also resilient and sustainable, capable of withstanding various challenges,” Soken stated in an exclusive interview with Khmer Times.
The minister highlighted the importance of the digital shift in enhancing work efficiency and opening new avenues for entrepreneurial ventures, particularly for the new generation. He stressed the need for specialized digital leadership training for women within the ministries and the organization of orientation programs to support their entry and success in the digital domain.
“Today, as we commemorate International Women’s Day at the Ministry of Tourism, we recognize the crucial contribution of women and address the ongoing challenges of gender equality,” Soken remarked in his opening statement.
He underscored the necessity of equipping women with digital skills to enable their active participation and ensure their security within Cambodia’s evolving digital economy. This empowerment would allow women to advocate for their rights, seize new opportunities, and elevate their socio-economic standing.
Minister Soken linked women’s equality to the first phase of the Pentagonal Strategy, urging civil servants and the private sector to foster vocational training in digital skills for women. This, he argued, would bolster their economic resilience and adaptability.
Furthermore, Soken advocated for the promotion of social values that recognize the contributions of women, thereby fostering a culture of progress, diversity, and harmony. He highlighted how the tourism sector can enhance societal bonds and underscored the need for a societal effort to maximize women’s potential across all sectors, free from discrimination.
The minister concluded by emphasizing that achieving full participation of women in the digital era requires collective efforts at all societal levels, from individual families to global communities. This inclusive approach is essential not only for achieving gender equality but also for empowering women to play a pivotal role in Cambodia’s digital and economic advancement.
Source: Khmer Times
