On October 21st, 2025, the CEDAW Monitoring Report for 2023 and 2024 was launched. The event was attended by over 80 participants, ranging from NGO-CEDAW member organizations to development partners and international organizations, representatives of indigenous communities, activists, as well as representatives from eight different ministries.
The monitoring report highlights key concerns, events, and research regarding the rights of women, girls, and non-binary people all over Cambodia. It focuses on emerging issues and those of particular gravity in the years of 2023 and 2024. To dive deeper into the varied issues these groups are facing, two panel discussions gave members from contributing organizations the chance to give further insight into their work and research.
Two activists from Koh Kong and Preah Vihear talked about their community’s experience with land disputes. Ms. Det Hours village has fallen victim to land grabbing, deeply affecting livelihoods and subjecting resisting villagers to violence. Mr. Sut Sawan from the Kuy indigenous community reported on predatory microfinance businesses leading to a loss of land and traditional practices.
NGO-CEDAW member organizations play a big role in collecting data necessary to evaluate the situation of marginalized groups in Cambodia. Klahaan shared that almost two-thirds of people surveyed had no comprehensive understanding of violence and consent, posing a big obstacle in effectively reporting and addressing gender-based violence. In a similar vein, Banteay Srei’s research on harassment in the workplace showed exposure rates of about 33%, with actual numbers likely being much higher. A lack of understanding regarding violence keeps a lot of women unable to access the help they need.
Other topics discussed included sexual and reproductive health care, journalism, ethnic minorities and LGBTQ+ issues, as well as labor rights regarding formal employment, the gig economy, and sex work.
During a lively Q&A session, the audience was able to comment, ask further questions, and talk about possible solutions for the issues. Together with the panelists, recommendations for both the government and CSOs were discussed.
To read the full report with in-depth information on the status of women, girls, and non-binary people in Cambodia, click here: English | Khmer
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Read about the event covered by media: CamboJa news
