Ing Kantha Phavi

Ing Kantha Phavi (អ៊ឹង កន្ថាផាវី) is a Cambodian physician and politician who has served as the Minister of Women's Affairs since 2004. She is currently the longest-serving cabinet minister.

Dr. Ing Kantha Phavi is an esteemed Cambodian politician and advocate for women's rights, known for her dedicated efforts in promoting gender equality and empowering women. Serving as the Minister of Women's Affairs of Cambodia since 2004, her influence has extended to international, national, and grassroots levels, earning her recognition and accolades.

Early life and career
Born with a passion for making a positive impact, Dr. Ing Kantha Phavi embarked on a journey to improve the lives of her fellow Cambodians. In the 1990s, she pursued a medical career, initially in France as a private medical doctor. Later, she played a vital role as the director of the drugs trials department at ABR, a French firm specializing in medical drug research and marketing. During this period, she also contributed significantly as Deputy Secretary General of the medical NGO Association des Medecins Cambodgiens (AMC), extending medical and social assistance to Cambodia's underserved communities.

In 1995, Dr. Phavi returned to her homeland and took on the role of a technical advisor to the Ministry of Rural Development. Here, she assumed responsibility for community health and rural economic development programs, including pioneering micro-credit initiatives. Her hands-on experience at the grassroots level laid the foundation for her future endeavors in promoting gender equality and women's empowerment.

Ministerial leadership and achievements
Dr. Ing Kantha Phavi's most prominent role has been as the Minister of Women's Affairs of Cambodia, a position she has held since 2004. Her influence extended beyond this role, as she simultaneously chaired the Cambodian National Council for Women and the National Committee to Uphold Social Morality, Women's, and Khmer Family's Values. Under her guidance, the Cambodian Ministry of Women's Affairs made significant strides in integrating gender perspectives into key national policies.

One of her major accomplishments was her instrumental role in the development and passage of the Law on the Prevention of Domestic Violence and the Protection of Victims in 2005. This landmark legislation marked a turning point in addressing gender-based violence and protecting the rights of victims. Additionally, Dr. Phavi's leadership ensured the incorporation of gender considerations into crucial national laws, including the Law on the Suppression of Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation (2008), the Organic Law for Deconcentration and Decentralization (2008), and the Land Law (2001).

Dr. Phavi's commitment to gender equality was further evident in her pivotal contributions to national policies. She championed the development and implementation of the Third and Fourth Five-Year Strategic Plans for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, known as Neary Rattanak III and IV. Her dedication also led to the establishment of the Cambodia Gender Assessments in 2004, 2008, and 2014, providing critical insights into the status of women in Cambodian society. Additionally, she played a central role in crafting the First and Second National Action Plans to Prevent Violence Against Women, spanning the periods of 2009-2013 and 2014-2018.

Global advocacy and recognition
Beyond her national contributions, Dr. Ing Kantha Phavi's impact extended to the global stage. She actively participated in international forums and meetings, advocating for gender equality and women's rights. Her presence was particularly notable at the East Asia Gender Equality Ministerial Meetings, the East Asia Ministerial Forums on Families, and the ASEAN Ministerial Meetings on Women, where she ardently championed a rights-based women's agenda.

Dr. Phavi's dedication and leadership were widely recognized and celebrated. Her participation in the executive program "Leaders in Development: Managing political and economic reforms" at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in 2004 showcased her commitment to continuous learning and improvement. Furthermore, in 2014, she received the prestigious "Most Outstanding Women" award from the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum (APEC ), highlighting her exceptional contributions to women's advancement.

Personal life and legacy
While Dr. Ing Kantha Phavi's professional accomplishments have been remarkable, her personal life reflects a harmonious balance between her career and family. She is married and a loving mother to a daughter, demonstrating that women can excel in both public service and personal roles.

As Dr. Ing Kantha Phavi continues her advocacy for gender equality and women's empowerment, her legacy remains an enduring inspiration. Her unwavering commitment to addressing gender-based disparities, protecting the vulnerable, and empowering women serves as a beacon of hope and progress for Cambodia and the world at large. Through her leadership and dedication, she has paved the way for a brighter and more equitable future, where women's rights are cherished and upheld.