Gender and Development

Cambodia: Strengthening and Capacity Building of Female Commune Councils Network

Background & Rationale

In Cambodia, the adoption of the Commune/Sangkat Administrative law and the election of commune councils in 2002 marked a significant step in the decentralization reform process by giving people a voice in government and improving public service delivery. Commune councils have become the representatives of Cambodian families and play an important role as advocates for women's and children's rights.

The Rapid Gender Assessment (RGA) of ADB-financed Cambodia–Commune Councils Development Project indicated the project was delivering some good results. However, a major gap identified was the limited training and capacity building of women commune council members and leaders. The RGA recommended that support be provided to an nongovernment organization – Women for Prosperity (WfP) to expand its work into districts covered by ADB’s loan project.

Expected Outcome

The project’s goal is to build capacity and strengthen the network of women commune council leaders and members. Specific objectives are to

• strengthen women commune council's skills in advocacy, lobbying, and pursuit of their communities’ development agenda
• increase self-confidence of women commune councils
• build solidarity among members through sharing of experiences and providing mutual support
• improve work performance of women commune councils

Activities include organizing and conducting a series of fora in 6 provinces and municipalities for 153 women involved in the councils; developing action plans that will be implemented by council members in their communes; and reporting on their achievements and challenges in subsequent fora. The project aims to enable women commune councils to gain initial confidence and strengthen capacity to fully participate in decision-making processes and structures for greater gender impact of ADB’s Commune Council Development loan.

Results to Date

• Ten two-day fora were organized in five provinces and municipalities from August 2005 to January 2006. Participants comprised 174 female commune councilors from 3 political parties. Total participants numbered 1,133 of which 201 were females and 932 males.
• The WfP team visited the communes/sangkats to obtain feedback and determine the impact of the fora to the participants and at the same time to obtain information on the progress of implementation in relation to the commune’s activities and planning.
• Increased awareness among male commune councilors on the importance of the forum in adapting to daily situations and activities of the communes.
• Female participants recognized gain in self-confidence that improved their ability to perform their work.
• The fora successfully made an impact on the participants, particularly female commune councilors, in deepening their commitment to serving the interest of their communes by signifying interest to run in the next elections.