Oxfam and the Labour and Vocational Training Ministry 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.
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.
A statement from Oxfam on Saturday explained that the milestone partnership will strengthen labour systems, expand social protection coverage and ensure vulnerable groups especially women, youth, 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 moving toward building a more resilient and inclusive economy in Cambodia,” said Oxfam national director Sophoan Phean.
Labour minister Heng Sour highlighted 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 cooperation will see the establishment of at least 10 women‑led enterprises, advanced social protection for the informal economy with concrete policy recommendations and the enrolment of 5,000 individuals into formal systems.
Oxfam said it intends to strengthen Cambodia’s labour and social protection systems through national forums, policy dialogues, training programmes and awareness campaigns between 2026 and 2028. — The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
