In a move to support female students from rural areas, Senate President Hun Sen announced his personal decision to donate two hectares of land—originally purchased for over $10 million for Bayon TV station in Phnom Penh’s Chroy Changvar district—to the Ministry of Women’s Affairs for the construction of a dormitory in Phnom Penh.
He stated that the initiative, developed after discussions with his wife, Bun Rany, and daughter, Hun Mana, aims to alleviate the accommodation challenges faced by underprivileged female students pursuing higher education in the capital.
Mr Hun Sen yesterday met with the Cambodian National Council for Women (CNCW).
“After construction, it will be handed over as state property to the Ministry of Women’s Affairs. I hope that this dormitory will help reduce the difficulties of female students and help accelerate investment in building women’s capacities and participation in building the nation,” Mr Hun Sen said.
According to a statement, the proposed dormitory will accommodate up to 500 students, featuring 120 rooms designed for four students each, all equipped with a bathroom and kitchen. A health post with medical facilities and a resident doctor will also be included.
He conveyed plans to increase women’s dormitories to more than two hectares, at a cost exceeding $10 million. Mr Hun Sen’s family privately funds the project.
Chea Thyrith, spokesman for the Senate, said that during the meeting, Mr Hun Sen made suggestions to contribute to women’s empowerment.
He proposed to the CNCW the implementation of quotas for the appointment of deputy governors in cities, districts, and provinces, increasing the number from one to at least two.
To raise women’s representation in government, he urged the CNCW to engage in discussions aimed at enhancing the recruitment of civil servants. He recommended that a quota be established to prioritise the selection of women; out of 100%, at least 50% of this quota should be allocated to women.
To enhance gender equality by empowering women in all sectors, Mr Hun Sen stressed on women’s economic empowerment.This includes improving women’s participation in both the national and household economies to increase their influence, aligning with initiatives aimed at empowering women in Cambodia.
According to him, in the next 20-30 years, the influence and dominance of women in Cambodia will be more substantial due to their contributions to the country’s development and family, no less significant than those of men.
Mr Hun Sen recommended that the CNCW hold a meeting to seek further advice from the Prime Minister and the Minister of Civil Service on the civil service selection process.
