Good news for Cambodian women. They are appointed as deputy governors at district and provincial levels. This is a move forward to promote gender in Cambodia, where almost all levels of local administrations, women were not placed in the high ranking positions. Since before the July 2008 election, Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen announced and called for women appointment to the post of deputy governors. Then, at this present time, almost all districts and provinces, except Pailin city, women have been appointed as deputy governors.

The deputy governors are expected to help, be in charge of woman and child affairs or social affairs. The introduction of subnational decentralization and de-concentration will form subnational committees in charge of woman and child affairs. The newly adopted organic law also states this point. This is the way of practice similar or the same to the administrative management of communes/sangkats where a female councilor is always encouraged to be in charge of woman and child affair.

As this is a good trend, will the gender be well promoted at sub-national levels? Will the gender projects increase in numbers of activities and budget expenses? That is still a question. This government act will consequence to a decentralized gender in Cambodia.

Cambodian female deputy governors will be a lesson for learning and for promotion of gender.

By Im Sokthy