Cambodia Investment Review
EuroCham’s Responsible Business Hub (RBH) and CARE, with support from GIZ FABRIC and the Textile, Apparel, Footwear & Travel Goods Association in Cambodia (TAFTAC), successfully launched the executive summary of “Sustainability Recommendations to Prevent Gender-Based Violence and Harassment (GBVH) in Cambodia’s Garment, Textile, and Footwear (GFT) Sector” on Thursday at Oakwood Premier Phnom Penh. This initiative is the first of five Sustainability Recommendation Papers (SRPs) to be released under this partnership.
Government Perspective on GBVH
The event gathered key industry stakeholders, including government representatives, factory representatives, private sector actors, civil society organisations, and development partners to discuss measures to prevent GBVH in the workplace. H.E. Lim Suyhong, Under-secretary of State at the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, and H.E. Nhean Sochetra, General Director of Social Development at the Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MoWA), provided insights on the government’s efforts to combat GBVH.
H.E. Lim Suyhong emphasized the existing legal frameworks aimed at preventing GBVH. “We have several laws already in place to address GBVH, including the Labour Law and the Civil Code, along with strategies like the Pentagonal Strategy and the GFT Sector Development Strategy 2022-2027,” he said. He highlighted the importance of grievance mechanisms, such as anonymous Telegram groups, for workers to report offenses directly to the government. “Labour inspectors have been granted more power to enforce these laws at the ground level,” Lim added.
H.E. Nhean Sochetra discussed the cultural barriers that often prevent workers from reporting GBVH incidents. “Workers tend not to report acts of GBVH unless they involve extreme cases, such as physical abuse,” she stated. Sochetra also mentioned MoWA’s Neary Rattanak Phase VI Strategic Plan, a five-year initiative promoting gender equality, which was released in April. “Our goal is to create a supportive environment where workers feel safe to report any form of harassment,” she said.
Stakeholder Collaboration and Future Steps
Mrs. Stefania State, EuroCham’s Responsible Business Hub coordinator, highlighted the dual importance of preventing GBVH from both legal and ethical standpoints. “These recommendations are crucial to protect the well-being and productivity of workers, ensuring a safe and equitable environment in Cambodia’s GFT sector,” she said. State also noted the potential economic benefits, stating, “This initiative will promote Cambodia as an ESG-friendly country, attracting more businesses and fostering economic growth. I hope that Cambodia will soon adopt the ILO Convention No. 190, which recognizes the right to a workplace free from violence and harassment.”
Ms. Sinuon Hun, Technical Advisor on Gender at CARE Cambodia, praised the event for fostering dialogue between government officials and other stakeholders. “This open platform allows for updates on the existing legal mechanisms to prevent GBVH. All stakeholders, including CSOs, the private sector, business associations, and government actors, acknowledge the importance of addressing GBVH and are keen to work collaboratively to ensure more effective prevention and response,” she said.
Mr. Sari Puthirith, Senior Officer- Legal and Business at TAFTAC, reiterated TAFTAC’s commitment to eliminating GBVH in the workplace. “Our priority is to create a culture of respect, equity, and safety for all,” he stated. Mr. Hasso Anwer, Project Manager at GIZ FABRIC Cambodia, emphasized the importance of collective efforts in minimizing GBVH risks. “Ensuring safe workplaces for garment workers will improve due diligence compliance for factories and brands,” he remarked.
EuroCham’s Continued Support for Gender Equality
Brian Badzmierowski, EuroCham Communications Coordinator and Sr. Market Analyst, assured continued support for gender equality through EuroCham’s partnerships, events, and outreach. “Raising awareness is the first step, and we will continue to support this agenda to ensure a safe and secure working environment for everyone. This is essential, especially with recent and upcoming legislation globally requiring responsible and socially conscious business practices,” he said.
The launch of these recommendations marks a significant step in addressing GBVH in Cambodia’s GFT sector. It sets a precedent for the region and underscores the necessity of collaborative efforts to foster a safe and respectful working environment. The ongoing commitment from various stakeholders, including government bodies, private sector entities, and civil society organizations, is crucial in achieving these goals and ensuring the protection and empowerment of workers in the industry.
