On the morning of March 19, 2026, Preah Sihanouk’s Women’s Affairs Department visited women who had recently given birth at the provincial referral hospital and brought gifts as part of activities marking the 115th anniversary of International Women’s Day, March 8.
Cambodia and countries worldwide mark International Women’s Day each year to remember women’s struggles for rights and freedoms. Cambodia’s 2026 theme was “Peace and Security for Women and Families”.
Department director Sao Kan said the commemoration reflected progress, achievements, challenges and opportunities, as well as commitments and positive measures to advance equality and empower all women and girls.
She said existing gender-equality policies had produced positive results for women and girls in Cambodia, particularly in Preah Sihanouk. The government prioritised equality and empowerment across sectors in the first phase of its Pentagonal Strategy, emphasising inclusion with women at its core.
Provincial council chairman Vong Phanat said the day recognised not only equality and rights but also Cambodian women’s sacrifices in defending the country, especially during Cambodia–Thailand border conflicts. In national emergencies, he said, women soldiers and border police stood alongside men on the front line to defend territorial integrity against those he described as invaders.
He said women’s gentle strength could become steel in defence of national sovereignty. Beyond carrying weapons, women served as frontline healthcare workers treating soldiers and as donors supplying food, necessities and equipment to the armed forces and displaced people.
He said the Women’s and Children’s Consultative Committee and provincial Women’s Affairs Department played important roles in inclusion, social equity and protection of women’s and children’s interests. Women were indispensable partners in family and national development, with capacity-building needed across sectors.
Article: Nget Pisant; Photo: Teav Vichat
