Women Entrepreneurs in Cambodia: Breaking Barriers and Building Futures

Introduction

Cambodia is undergoing a powerful transformation—one driven not just by industrial growth and foreign investment, but by the increasing participation of women in entrepreneurship. From Phnom Penh’s dynamic startups to community-led ventures in rural provinces, Cambodian women entrepreneurs are breaking cultural and economic barriers to create a more inclusive and innovative future. Their rise reflects a broader trend in Southeast Asia where women are becoming pivotal contributors to economic development.

This article explores the challenges, success stories, and emerging opportunities for women in business across Cambodia. It also highlights how platforms like Cambodia-Agent.com are helping women-led businesses access international markets and navigate the import-export ecosystem.

The Landscape of Women Entrepreneurship in Cambodia

In recent years, Cambodia has witnessed a steady increase in the number of women-led enterprises. According to the Asian Development Bank, over 60% of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Cambodia are owned or managed by women. These businesses span a variety of sectors:

• Agriculture and food processing

• Handicrafts and textiles

• Tourism and hospitality

• Online retail and digital services

• Education and training services

While women entrepreneurs are thriving, their contributions have often been underrepresented in economic data, policy frameworks, and access to capital. Recognizing this gap is the first step to closing it.

Key Challenges Faced by Women Entrepreneurs

Despite their growing presence, Cambodian women entrepreneurs face several systemic and social challenges that can hinder business growth:

1. Limited Access to Capital

One of the biggest hurdles is obtaining business financing. Women often lack access to formal banking services or are viewed as higher-risk borrowers due to outdated perceptions about gender roles.

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2. Cultural and Social Norms

Gender roles and expectations still influence the freedom women have to pursue full-time business ventures, especially in rural areas where traditional structures dominate family dynamics.

3. Lack of Mentorship and Networks

While male entrepreneurs often benefit from industry networks and mentorship, women tend to lack access to such resources, especially in emerging sectors like tech and digital marketing.

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Inspiring Stories: Women Who Are Shaping Cambodia’s Future

Chivy Sok – Founder of a Sustainable Handicraft Brand

Chivy’s business employs over 50 women in Kampong Thom to produce eco-friendly bags and textiles for export. Her story exemplifies how combining cultural heritage with sustainable practices can lead to both economic empowerment and global recognition.

Sophal Meas – Tech Innovator from Phnom Penh

Sophal co-founded a fintech startup that provides mobile payment solutions tailored to rural communities. Her company recently partnered with regional banks to offer micro-loans to women farmers, showing how digital innovation can drive inclusive growth.

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The Role of Education and Digital Tools

Digital literacy and entrepreneurship education are proving to be critical enablers for women. Programs led by NGOs and private sector partnerships are equipping women with:

• Financial literacy

• E-commerce training

• Digital marketing skills

• Business planning and management tools

The result? A new generation of digitally empowered businesswomen is emerging, capable of scaling their businesses beyond Cambodia’s borders.

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How Cambodia-Agent.com Supports Women Entrepreneurs

At Cambodia-Agent.com, we recognize the immense potential women entrepreneurs hold for Cambodia’s economic future. That’s why we provide tailored services such as:

• Product sourcing from women-led producers

• Import/export facilitation with multilingual agent support

• Business matchmaking with international buyers

• Branding and marketing consultations

By serving as a bridge between local talent and global demand, we help women-led enterprises thrive in international trade environments.

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Policy Support and the Future of Women in Business

The Cambodian government and organizations such as the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and the International Labour Organization (ILO) are rolling out gender-inclusive policies and funding initiatives. Programs like the “SheTrades” initiative by the International Trade Centre (ITC) are connecting Cambodian women entrepreneurs with new export markets.

With stronger policy frameworks, access to credit, and investment in digital education, Cambodia could become a leader in gender-inclusive entrepreneurship within the ASEAN region.

Conclusion

The rise of women entrepreneurs in Cambodia is a testament to resilience, innovation, and cultural transformation. While challenges remain, the momentum is real—and growing. As more women step into leadership roles, launch businesses, and enter global markets, Cambodia is set to benefit from a more inclusive and dynamic economy.

Platforms like Cambodia-Agent.com are proud to stand with these women—offering tools, support, and visibility to ensure their futures are not just imagined, but built.