Cambodia’s GFT Sector Puts Gender Equality and Human Capital at the Centre of LDC Graduation Preparations

173 participants representing over 100 organizations from government, diplomatic missions, international brands, manufacturers, factories, development partners and civil society organizations came together in Phnom Penh on September 22, 2026 for Cambodia’s 5th Annual Gender Platform, focusing on how gender equality and human capital development can strengthen the country’s garment, footwear and travel goods (GFT) sector as the country prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by December 19, 2029.

The 2026 Gender Platform, held under the theme “From Dialogue to Action: Advancing Gender Equality and Safe Workplaces to Support Cambodia’s LDC Graduation,” was jointly organized by GIZ FABRIC and LABS Initiative, powered by IDH Solutions, in collaboration with CARE Cambodia, ILO Better Factories Cambodia, RISE, Cambodian Garment Training Institute (CGTI), EuroCham’s Garment & Manufacturing Committee, Responsible Business Hub in Cambodia, Cooperation Committee for Cambodia and Women Empowerment Network.

The event brought together representatives from the Royal Government of Cambodia, Embassy of the United States of America, Australian Embassy in Cambodia, international brands, manufacturers, factories, NGOs, CSOs, development partners and business organizations across the GFT ecosystem to examine how investment in women’s skills, decent work, workplace safety and inclusive economic opportunities can contribute to a resilient and competitive sector.

With women representing a significant share of Cambodia’s GFT workforce, participants highlighted the importance of ensuring that women and workers are equipped to participate in and benefit from the sector’s next phase of development.

The opening session featured welcoming remarks from Mr. Hasso Anwer, Project Director of GIZ FABRIC, followed by opening remarks from Her Excellency Dr. ING Kantha Phavi, Minister of Women’s Affairs. Speakers underscored the importance of collaboration between government, the private sector and development partners in advancing gender equality and inclusive economic development.

Her Excellency Dr. ING Kantha Phavi, Minister of Women’s Affairs, said: “The journey toward graduating from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2029 aligns with the Vision 2050 set out in the Pentagonal Strategy – Phase 1. To ensure that Cambodia’s graduation from the LDC group does not hinder socio-economic and environmental development progress, the smooth transition strategy for the post-graduation period will focus on six key priorities: 1. strengthening and expanding human capital; 2. economic diversification; 3. expanding trade markets; 4. attracting foreign investment; 5. promoting science, technology, and innovation; and 6. strengthening social protection mechanisms.”

The day’s discussions examined practical opportunities and challenges facing the sector as Cambodia prepares for its LDC graduation. Sessions covered investment in women’s skills, current initiatives supporting a smooth graduation process, gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH) grievance mechanisms, the rollout of RISE Respect in Cambodia, and the transition process associated with LDC graduation.

The platform also featured a panel discussion on gender equality and human capital development in preparation for Cambodia’s LDC graduation, alongside a session highlighting community impact through the Women Empowerment Network.

Across the discussions, participants emphasized that Cambodia’s transition beyond LDC status will require continued investment in the people who underpin the GFT sector. Skills development, decent work, women’s economic empowerment, workplace inclusion and responsible business practices were highlighted as important areas for strengthening the sector’s resilience and supporting its future competitiveness.

Mr. Hasso Anwer, Project Director, GIZ FABRIC Cambodia, said: “Decent work for women and profitability are not a trade-off in modern supply chains, they reinforce one another.”

Her Excellency SOUS Sinoun, Under Secretary of State, Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, added: “Promoting gender equality and ensuring a work environment characterized by equity, safety, and respect for rights is not merely a social obligation; it is a crucial factor for sustainable economic development, human resource strengthening, and maintaining Cambodia’s competitiveness.”

The event concluded with remarks from Her Excellency SOVANN Vannaroth, Permanent Secretary of State at the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, who highlighted the importance of women’s participation in the garment, footwear and travel goods (GFT) sector, a vital component of Cambodia’s economy. She said: “Adapting to technological and labour market shifts, alongside investments in reskilling, upskilling, and technological competencies – including Artificial Intelligence (AI)- were identified as crucial factors for empowering women and enabling them to reap greater benefits from the evolving world of work. Furthermore, fostering women’s leadership and leveraging digital technology were cited as key measures to support female workers in the GFT sector as it moves toward 2029.”

About the Gender Platform: Five years of dialogue and collaboration

The Gender Platform is an annual multi-stakeholder forum bringing together government, business, development partners, civil society, workers’ representatives and other stakeholders to advance dialogue and collaboration on gender equality and the future of Cambodia’s GFT sector.

The 5th edition built on this collaborative approach, bringing stakeholders from across the sector together to consider how Cambodia can ensure that women and workers are equipped to contribute to and benefit from the country’s next phase of economic development.