Outcome KHM_D_1.1

By 2028, people in Cambodia, especially those at risk of being left behind, benefit from a healthier, gender inclusive, natural environment. (UNSDCF outcome 3 - 2024-2028, SP Outcome 5)

Throughout the reporting period, UN Women continued its impactful efforts in Cambodia, advancing gender equality and fostering climate resilience through a range of strategic initiatives. These efforts have contributed significantly to the integration of gender considerations into climate and disaster risk reduction (DRR) governance, policies, and practices. The following highlights key activities, achievements, and outcomes achieved in the past year: Gender and Environment Survey (Women Count Initiative): In partnership with the National Institute of Statistics (NIS), the Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MoWA), and the Ministry of Environment (MoE), the Women Count initiative successfully supported the implementation of the Gender and Environment Survey, engaging 10,000 study participants through a survey. This survey seeks to understand the intersection between gender and environmental issues in Cambodia and will provide crucial data to guide the development of gender-responsive policies. The survey findings, scheduled for release in April 2025, are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping future interventions and policies related to gender and climate change. Development of the Training of Trainers (ToT) Manual on Women's Transformative Leadership: UN Women developed a draft Training of Trainers (ToT) Manual on Women's Transformative Leadership to strengthen gender mainstreaming across sectors. This manual is designed to empower Ministry of Women's Affairs (MoWA) leaders with the skills necessary to implement gender-responsive policies. Additionally, training sessions for officials from other ministries are scheduled for 2025, ensuring that gender considerations are embedded in the broader policy framework of Cambodia. Consultative Workshop on Gender Mainstreaming in Climate and Disaster Data: A consultative workshop was organized to engage 60 stakeholders from government, civil society, and other sectors on the integration of gender considerations in climate and disaster data. This workshop emphasized the importance of gender-responsive, human rights-based approaches in climate and disaster management. It provided a platform for stakeholders to share insights and deepen their understanding of how gender-sensitive data can inform more inclusive policies and practices. Regional Dialogues on Gender Equality and Climate Action: In October 2024, UN Women supported Cambodian officials in attending regional dialogues that focused on integrating gender, gender-based violence (GBV), and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) into climate policies. These dialogues also highlighted the importance of disaggregated data in disaster risk reduction (DRR) and encouraged the development of gender-inclusive strategies within the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. These dialogues have helped to strengthen Cambodia's commitment to gender-responsive climate action on a regional scale. Workshop on Climate-Smart and Renewable Energy Solutions: In collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), UN Women organized a workshop on climate-smart and renewable energy solutions for women-led enterprises. The workshop empowered 64 participants, primarily women, by providing them with knowledge and practical solutions for adopting renewable energy in their business practices. This initiative is helping to promote sustainable, climate-resilient enterprises led by women in Cambodia. Support for the National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction (NAP-DRR) 2024-2028: UN Women provided both technical and financial support for the development of Cambodia’s National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction (NAP-DRR) 2024-2028. This plan incorporates gender and social inclusion into disaster response and recovery efforts, ensuring that the unique needs of women and marginalized groups are addressed. The official launch of the NAP-DRR in September 2024 marked a major milestone in the country’s commitment to gender-sensitive disaster risk reduction. Participatory Photography Project on Climate Change and Natural Disasters: A participatory photography project was launched to engage women from diverse backgrounds in reflecting on climate change and natural disasters. In workshops held throughout the reporting period, women participants analyzed their photos, created narratives, and shared stories of their communities' climate and disaster-related challenges. This project amplified women’s voices and fostered greater awareness of how gender dynamics exacerbate vulnerability to environmental impacts, empowering women to become more active agents of change in their communities. Youth Activism and Climate Action: Linking Lives Project: UN Women supported the youth-led movement Breakthrough in launching the Linking Lives: Gender and Climate project in October 2024. This initiative promoted women’s leadership in climate action by engaging both university students and community women in discussions on gender and climate issues. The project included outreach activities and public campaigns, including a successful event in Battambang in December 2024, which reached a wide audience and sparked ongoing conversations about the intersection of gender, climate change, and disaster risk reduction. Empowering Vulnerable Women through Climate-Resilient Livelihoods: In collaboration with Banteay Srei (a women's organisation), UN Women provided training for women living with HIV/AIDS and other vulnerable groups on climate-resilient livelihoods, leadership, and business skills. The initiative included the distribution of sustainable farming resources and the promotion of gender equality through training sessions. These efforts have empowered rural women by enhancing their ability to adapt to climate change and build more sustainable livelihoods. Workshops on Gender Mainstreaming in Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate-Smart Enterprises: A two-day workshop on gender mainstreaming in disaster risk reduction (DRR) was held in October 2024, providing civil society organizations (CSOs) with the tools to integrate gender into DRR planning. Additionally, a workshop on climate-smart enterprises offered 64 women entrepreneurs valuable insights into renewable energy solutions, supporting their transition to more climate-resilient and sustainable business models. Strengthening Gender Analysis and Data Systems: One of the key milestones of the reporting period was the joint effort between the National Institute of Statistics (NIS), MoWA, MoE, and the National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM) to apply gender-sensitive approaches to climate change and DRR data collection. The Gender and Environment Survey, supported by UN Women’s Women Count programme, is a groundbreaking initiative that is helping to strengthen the role of MoWA as both a data user and producer. This collaboration is enabling more evidence-based decision-making and advancing gender-responsive policies. Alignment with Global Frameworks and Normative Work: During the reporting period, the Royal Government of Cambodia made substantial progress in aligning its efforts with global frameworks, including the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Beijing Platform for Action. A multi-stakeholder dialogue on the Gender Action Plan for DRR in Cambodia explored opportunities for localizing the Sendai Gender Action Plan, demonstrating Cambodia’s commitment to incorporating gender-responsive strategies in national policies. Youth Engagement and Awareness Campaigns: The young women’s movement, Breakthrough , has significantly contributed to raising awareness around the intersection of gender, climate change, and disaster risk reduction. Through a well-organized campaign, Breakthrough empowered youth activists to develop key messages and create innovative ways to communicate with marginalized communities, ensuring that their voices are heard in the ongoing dialogue about climate change and gender.