Vientiane, Lao PDR, 18 October 2024 – Samdech Rathsaphea Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the Cambodian National Assembly, was invited to deliver a keynote address today at the WAIPA Women Political Leaders Forum in Vientiane. The event, co-organized by the National Assembly of Lao PDR and the AIPA Secretariat, focused on enhancing women’s political participation and leadership to tackle current global challenges.
In her speech, Samdech Khuon Sudary emphasized that the world is facing an unprecedented moment of crisis, with escalating geopolitical tensions, economic instability, and climate emergencies. She called for collective action and highlighted the indispensable role women play in fostering peace, justice, and inclusive governance. “Empowering women and advancing gender equality are no longer optional; they are imperatives for peace, progress, and prosperity of all nations,” she declared.
The Cambodian National Assembly President underscored that women’s political participation is essential not only for justice but for effective governance. She noted that countries with more women in decision-making roles achieve better outcomes in health, education, and sustainable development. Despite ASEAN’s progress in areas like education and workforce participation, Samdech Khuon Sudary pointed out that more work is needed to expand women’s roles in leadership and decision-making.
Addressing the situation in Cambodia, Samdech Khuon Sudary highlighted the country’s advancements in gender equality and women’s empowerment. She praised the Royal Government of Cambodia's recent launch of a five-year strategic plan (2024–2028) to promote gender equality across sectors, aligning with national and international frameworks such as the Pentagonal Strategy Phase One and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Cambodia’s strides in political representation were also noted. While women’s representation in the National Assembly has fluctuated, Samdech Khuon Sudary became the first female President of Cambodia's National Assembly, a milestone she described as a point of pride. However, she acknowledged that challenges remain. “In the current seventh legislature, women’s representation in the National Assembly stands at 13.6%, down from previous years. We must continue our efforts to overcome these barriers,” she said.
Samdech Khuon Sudary outlined five key policy recommendations to further advance women’s participation in leadership. These include demonstrating genuine political will, addressing harmful social norms and gender-based violence, removing obstacles to women’s inclusion in political parties, investing in leadership development, and promoting international partnerships to support women in leadership roles.
The President’s speech resonated with the forum’s theme of transforming challenges into opportunities for a more inclusive future. “It is long past time that women are excluded from political leadership. Every woman has the power to lead, succeed, and make a meaningful difference,” she concluded.
The WAIPA Women Political Leaders Forum, held in conjunction with the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), brings together women leaders to discuss critical issues surrounding gender equality and the future of political leadership in the region.
