PHNOM PENH: Cambodia PM wants women promoted
Prime Minister Hun Sen yesterday ordered the Interior Ministry to place women as deputy governors in 25 cities and provinces as well as to increase the role of women in the army, military police and National Police in an effort to promote gender equality.
Speaking at an event to mark International Women’s Day yesterday, the prime minister said political parties and relevant groups have to ensure an atmosphere that not only values women, but encourages their participation.
“There are no women as deputy governor or deputy commune chief in 25 provinces and cities, so we want a female deputy governor in each province and city,” Mr. Hun Sen said.
“It is even better if there are more than two women. [Government] institutions and ministries are also improved if women are employed there.”
Government institutions need to look into the possibility of hiring women for the role of general department director, Mr. Hun Sen added.
The military police is made up of some women, but there should be greater representation, including the positions of commander and deputy commander, he said.
“The army and provincial military police should also have women. The police chief in each province should also hire women,” he said, adding that women should be encouraged to apply.
Mr. Hun Sen also said the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces should have female representation in each province.
Military police spokesman Eng Hy said more than 300 women were employed by the military police, holding low to high ranks.
“Commander-in-chief of the military police Sao Sokha has also instructed all provinces to select women as deputy commanders as well as local commanders and deputy provincial commanders. But they also need to check on their ability,” he said.
According to figures from the Ministry of Women’s Affairs last year, although women make up 52 percent of the total population, they only hold 16 percent of commune council seats…………..(1.12.2Khmer Times.3.12.17)
