A Step Forward: NBC, Ministry of Women’s Affairs and International Partners Launch Forum to Advance Financial Inclusion for Women

The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC), in close collaboration with the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Women’s World Banking, held an important workshop and dialogue on “Financial Inclusion for Women in Cambodia” on October 27, 2026, in Phnom Penh.

The national event that morning was held under the high-level leadership of senior officials and diplomats, including H.E. Dr. Chea Serey, Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia; H.E. Kittibandit Ing Kantha Phavi, Minister of Women’s Affairs; H.E. Derek Yip, Australian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia; and Angelique Timmer, Women’s World Banking’s Southeast Asia Regional Director. Representatives from numerous relevant ministries, institutions, associations and organizations also attended.

The workshop was primarily established to identify specific mechanisms for implementing and advancing financial inclusion for women. This is an important step toward unlocking women’s full potential, empowering them and strengthening their economic standing in Cambodia. At the same time, the event offered banking and financial institutions a valuable opportunity to learn about, design and develop new financial products and services that meet women’s actual needs.

In addition to presenting strategies, the dialogue provided a lively platform for sharing experiences and engaging in in-depth discussion. Participants highlighted the opportunities and challenges women face, providing valuable input for policy development.

A particular focus was the careful consideration given to developing financial services that respond to the needs of women generally, and especially “women with disabilities,” to ensure that no one is left behind.