Advancing Gender-Responsive Budgeting Through Civic Engagement in Cambodia
Series of presentation by representatives of the Commune Councilor and Commune Committee for Women and Children's on 2026 Commune Budget Package covering commune fund revenue sources, budget expenditure allocations, and priority activities and action plans. The presentation took place during a Budget Corner Forum co-organized by the commune council and youth people under SCOPE-PFM project implemented by SILAKA as part of a broader series held across 12 communes in Kampong Chhnang, Tbong Khmum, and Kampong Thom provinces. Photo: Sreyroth Nim/SILAKA
Budgets have often been seen as technical documents, far from everyday concerns of citizens. Yet behind every line are decisions that shaped schools, health, public services, environment, and climate change. For women and marginalized groups, these decisions often determine whether their needs are met or overlooked. Gender-responsive budgeting ensures public resources reflect the realities of all citizens.
The Strengthening Civic Engagement and Oversight in Public Financial Management (SCOPE-PFM) project, funded by the European Union and led by Oxfam with implementation by SILAKA Cambodia, is changing how communities connect with public financial management. The project combines digital innovation, youth leadership and civic participation to contributing making budgeting more transparent, inclusive and responsive to citizens needs.
A standout achievement is the “Budget Corner” podcast, launched in June 2025 to simplify complex financial policies. In just eight episodes, it has reached 24,000 listeners, 55 percent of them women. The engagement highlights growing women engagement in financial governance. With 56 more episodes planned by May 2028, the podcast is set to deepen public understanding of how resources are allocated and how citizens can influence decisions.
“I realized that gender budgeting is the budget for everyone according to their needs. It is not a seperate budget for girls only.”
Youth empowerment is another key pillar. Thirty four young leaders, including 21 women from Thboung Khmum and Kampong Thom, have been trained to actively participate in commune council meetings. Equipped with knowledge and advocacy skills, they now raise community concerns and advocate for more responsive budgeting.
Through digital platforms, grassroots participation, and multi stakeholder collaboration, SCOPE-PFM is embedding citizen voices into Cambodia’s broader public financial management reforms. By translating technical public finance concepts into practical knowledge, the podcast has empowered citizens across communes and Sangkats to better understand how public resources are allocated and how they can actively contribute to decision-making processes. This alignment ensures that citizen participation is not symbolic but integral to how budgets are planned and delivered.