Ministry of Labor, partners and Oxfam promoting social protection and labor rights for women in Cambodia’s agri-food sector

Phnom Penh, August 3, 2025_Oxfam, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training, the Cambodian Labour Confederation and the Coalition of Cambodian Farmer Community, co-organize a regional forum to elevate “Social Protection for a Just Transition and Climate Action” on August 3, 2025 in Ratanakiri province, and on August 5, 2025 in Kratie province. The forums highlight strong commitment to advancing the rights and well-being of women’s workers in Cambodia’s agri-food sector. 

The forum in Ratanakiri convenes diverse stakeholder of approximately 300 people including community leaders, provincial officers, policy makers, workers’ representatives and experts to exchange ideas and identify policy solutions to strengthen Cambodia’s social assistant systems with greater transparency, gender inclusivity and climate resilience.

Ms. Sophoan Phean, National Director of Oxfam, said, “Women working in agri-food are the backbone of Cambodia’s food system, yet they face persistent inequality and vulnerability. These forums are a vital step toward collective action that listens to their voices and strengthens their protection. Oxfam is proud to support inclusive platforms that build more resilient livelihoods and fairer work environments for all.”

The agri-food sector, plantations, food processing businesses, food stalls, restaurants and supermarkets, is key source of employment and income for women particularly within the informal economy. Many women workers face low wages, unsafe conditions and limited access to social benefits. 

Cambodia as well as other countries in Southeast Asia, is severely affected by climate change, which undermines economic and natural resource development, especially in agri-food sector. It affects the living conditions and well-being of both formal and informal workers, and self-employed individuals, including vulnerable groups such as women, the elderly, people with disabilities and indigenous peoples. This stems from their limited resilience and lack of adequate protection mechanisms.

Oxfam’s initiative, Improved Social Protection and Labor Rights for Women Workers in The Agri-Food Sector, funded by the Government of Belgium (DGD) aim to enhance labor standard and protections for women, expand access to social protection schemes and promote gender equity and build resilience to climate-related challenges. 

The initiative is a strategic response to climate-induced risks that disproportionately affect women in rural and underserve communities. Through coordinated dialogues and partnerships, the regional forum will help shape national policies that prioritize dignity, fairness and opportunity starting with those most vulnerable.