Education minister Hang Chuon Naron addressed the celebration of the International Women’s Day on March 12. MoEYS Cambodia
Minister of Education, Youth and Sport Hang Chuon Naron explains that building the capacity and empowerment of women and girls through education is fundamental to the elimination of discrimination and domestic violence, and also contributes to promoting national economic sustainability.
Chuon Naron was addressing a celebration of the 113rd anniversary of International Women’s Day, on March 12. This year’s theme is “Women and girls in the digital revolution”.
He noted that the world is now entering the fourth industrial revolution, or Industry 4.0, driven by the rapid development of new technology like artificial intelligence (AI), robots, drones and communications technology.
“We need to be well-prepared to take full advantage of the rapid advances in technology and digitalisation, he said.
“Capacity building and the empowerment of women and girls through education will contribute to ending discrimination and gender-based violence. It will also promote the economic sustainability of families, maternal and child health, and women entrepreneurship. We must encourage gender equality and allow women to fully participate in national development,” he added.
He explained that the ministry is committed to implementing digital education at all levels, increasing attention to addressing the challenges of women in education, and encouraging female students in the fields of science, technology engineering, creative arts and mathematics (STEAM).
Speaking at the event, Men Sam An, head of the Cambodian Women for Peace and Development (CWPD), noted that the government is actively promoting the participation of women in all fields, including increasing opportunities for access to wider knowledge and skills.
As a result, she said, women’s participation in politics, social affairs and public services has been steadily increasing year by year, both in quantity and quality.
“I urge all relevant institutions to work together to build the capacity of women and girls more widely. Female students must be allowed to thrive, and should embrace digital science skills. We need to increase their participation in the digital revolution, and bridge the technology knowledge gap between men and women,” she added.
Hea Srey Lot, a student from Hun Sen Kang Tanoeng High School in Kampong Cham province and a member of tech incubator Technovation Girls, expressed her happiness at the opportunity to learn more about the world of technology.
“I encourage all girls to work hard. Together, we will eradicate all of the discrimination against women and girls that existed in the past,” she said.
