Standing for Equal Rights and Equal Opportunities and for Progress for All

Sam Rainsy Party

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY STATEMENT

Standing for Equal Rights and Equal Opportunities and for Progress for All

March 8, 2010

As we celebrate March 8, the International Women's Day, it is imperative for the entire Cambodian society to reflect once again on the role and status of our women; to remind ourselves of the Cambodian women's crucial role in rebuilding our country and contributing towards our national goals and aspirations.

On this important day, we honor the Cambodian women from all walks of life but in particular, the ordinary Cambodian women, those who struggle day-to-day to labor and toil to survive and provide for the needs of their families, when working under very difficult circumstances: the factory workers, the small traders and vendors, the farmers, the women with disabilities, the indigenous women, the home-based workers, the domestic helpers, the civil servants and others.

We also take stock of the achievements and gains we have made in addressing the multifarious concerns and issues faced by our women in all stages of their lives: the girl-child, the young women, the adult women, the elderly women.

Worth-mentioning are the legislation adopted to prevent violence against women as well as to protect the specific rights of women:

• The Law against Domestic Violence;
• The Penal Code;
• The Law against Trafficking of Women and Children;
• The Law on Disabilities.

At the same time, on this significant day, let us be mindful once again of the great tasks ahead of us in raising the status of our women:

• Access to universal and quality education up to high school level;
• Gainful employment opportunities that provide decent jobs and decent pay;
• Access to quality health care and services to meet the needs of women in their full life cycle;
• Reduction of maternal morbidity and mortality increase in infant survival;
• Land tenure and land rights;
• Protection of women living with HIV/AIDS.

Today on the 100th Anniversary of International Women's Day, let us condemn and not condone all forms of violence against women and the girl child. We have little to be proud of when we remain in silence when they are faced and suffer from the most intolerable crime:

• Rape;
• Domestic violence;
• Commercial sexual exploitation.

Today on the International Women's Day, let us renew our commitment to respect, protect and promote the human rights of our Cambodian women. Let us muster all our energies and political will to ensure their full exercise of civil, political, social and cultural rights through executive and legislative measures and appropriate and adequate programs and services.

Sam Rainsy Party

Women's Wing

Contact person: Mu Sochua, MP 012 831 040