To highlight women’s leadership in Kampot fisheries, several ministries and NGOs held a special event on March 8, International Women’s Day.
The event, themed “In Her Hands: Growing Harvests, Building Futures in Coastal Fisheries” brought together representatives from the government and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to engage with coastal communities and observe firsthand the important role women play in local economies. It aligned with Cambodia’s national theme “Promoting Women’s Leadership for Peace and Security for Women and Families”.
“Women play a central role in Cambodia’s fisheries and coastal livelihoods. From catching fish and processing seafood to trading products in local markets, their work helps sustain household incomes and strengthen community food security,” said a FAO press release.
The event also showcased the progress made under the CamAdapt project, implemented by the agriculture ministry’s Fisheries Administration and the Ministry of Environment, with technical support from FAO and funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). Through the project, coastal communities are strengthening their ability to adapt to climate change while promoting greater participation and leadership of women in local decision-making.
Events were held at Trapaing Sangke Community Fisheries and Prek Thnoat Community Protected Area, where representatives spoke directly with local women about their livelihoods and community activities, explored specialty products such as mushrooms and wild fruits collected from surrounding ecosystems, visited local tourism sites and toured tree nurseries.
It highlighted how women’s everyday work supports coastal economies, strengthens food security and contributes to the protection of marine ecosystems.
“Women are at the heart of Cambodia’s agrifood systems. When women farmers are supported with knowledge, opportunities and leadership roles, entire communities become stronger and more resilient,” explained Rebekah Bell, FAO representative in Cambodia.
“Women are the backbone of communities, driving livelihoods, peace and sustainable development. Strengthening their leadership and capacity at the local level is essential for building resilient communities and supporting sustainable ecosystem management,” added Ngin Lina, environment ministry secretary of state.
The day’s activities also contributed to the #shefeedscambodia campaign, a year-long national initiative linked to the International Year of the Woman Farmer and implemented in collaboration with the agriculture and environment ministries. The campaign celebrates the women who feed communities, protect natural resources and strengthen Cambodia’s agrifood systems.
CamAdapt aims to support 101,000 people, with 50 per cent women beneficiaries, while helping safeguard 82,000 hectares of coastal ecosystems, including mangroves, seagrass and coral reefs that are essential for fisheries and biodiversity.
