PHNOM PENH: Oxfam and the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training have signed a three-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promote decent work, strengthen women’s economic empowerment and expand Cambodia’s social protection system.
To this end, the agreement outlines plans to integrate 5,000 informal workers into the formal economy, enabling them to access social protection systems like the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).
A June 27 statement form Oxfam Cambodia explained that the milestone partnership will strengthen labour systems, expand social protection coverage and ensure that vulnerable groups especially women, yout, and informal economy workers are not left behind in Cambodia’s development.
“This partnership represents a shared commitment to promoting social protection, labour rights and gender equality, and collectively we are moving toward building a more resilient and inclusive economy in Cambodia,” said Oxfam national director Sophoan Phean.
Labour minister Heng Sour highlighted the strong cooperation between the ministry and Oxfam. He expressed full support for the MoU, describing it as a foundation for deeper dialogue and cooperation.
He also outlined the importance of helping transition informal economy workers into formal systems so they can access benefits such as occupational risk coverage, healthcare and pensions.
The partnership will focus on capacity development, policy collaboration, resource mobilisation and engaging stakeholders. By prioritising women’s economic empowerment and reinforcing social protection systems, the two signatories aim to contribute to sustainable national development and inclusive growth, Oxfam added.
Between 2026 and 2028, they intend to strengthen Cambodia’s labour and social protection systems through national forums, policy dialogues, training programmes and awareness campaigns.
The cooperation will see the establishment of at least ten women‑led enterprises, advancing social protection for the informal economy with concrete policy recommendations and the enrolment of 5,000 individuals into formal systems.
While this is not the first time Oxfam and the labour ministry have worked together, the signing of the MoU marks their first official cooperation framework. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
