In order to promote discussion on women’s access to information, and raise awareness on the importance of access to information, the National League of Communes/Sangkats in collaboration with the Open Institute organized a forum on “Promoting Access to Information (related to Elections) for Women”. The forum was held at the Open Institute office on Tuesday 21st August 2012. There were 36 participants (23 females and 13 males), including Sangkat councilors and representatives from the ministries, NGOs, private companies and media.

At the opening, Ms. Chim Manavy, Executive Director of Open Institute, said that people have the legal right to access information managed by the Government related to public services or the private sector. Access to information is vital for progressing issues such as democratic governance, the participation of people in society, economic development, human rights protection, and freedom of expression.

She emphasized that, Open Institute has observed, people’s access to information is restricted as dissemination and promotion strategies are still limited and there is not yet a culture of sharing public information. She stated that the forum would consider this problem, as well as: the gap between what is required by the legal framework and the practical implementation of the law; and the impacts on Commune/Sangkat councilor members, especially female Commune/Sangkat councilors whose access to information is still more limited than that of male councilor members.

For more information, can be accessed to the link below:

Women and Access to Information Related to Elections in English
Women and Access to Information Related to Elections in Khmer

Source: (Open Institute)