Cambodia demonstrates its commitment to strengthening the role of women in Peacekeeping missions, ranked 17th worldwide and second in Asia for gender parity in their contingents. Further demonstrating its commitment to Women Peace and Security, the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF), through the National Center for Peacekeeping Force, Mine and ERW Clearance (NPMEC) partnered with CPCS and UN Women Cambodia to conduct the “Measuring Opportunities for Women in Peace Operations (MOWIP)” Barriers Assessment in 2023 – 2024.

Utilizing the MOWIP developed by Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF) and Cornell University, this report offers a comprehensive set of recommendations aimed at enhancing gender equality within Cambodia’s armed forces. It showcases best practices from the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF), illustrating their exemplary performance in integrating gender considerations into peacekeeping operations.

The findings of this research will serve as a critical resource for guiding policy formulation and institutional reforms, addressing challenges to women’s full and meaningful participation in military roles. Key recommendations include fostering an enabling environment through official parental leave policies, challenging prevailing gender norms, and strengthening gender sensitivity programs within RCAF policies.

With funding support from the Elsie Initiative Fund (EIF).