The Future Role Of Female Professionals In Cambodia

In western societies, over the past three decades, there has been a major change in the work force. The number of women entering the professionals has increased dramatically, more and more women can be seen in positions as administrators, teachers, medical practitioners and lawyers. In Japan Princess Nori of the royal family became a role model for many young Japanese women when she decided to postpone marriage and family in favour of a professional career (She recently married at the age of 35). What then does the future hold for female professionals in Cambodia?

There has been a marked increase in the number of young Cambodian women entering university in recent years. After studying for several years toward a professional degree will these graduates be as inclined as their mothers were to sacrifice personal aspirations and marry at an early age, or will they wish to first establish themselves in a professional career?

Some many say that such a scenario would be a threat to traditional values. However, on close examination we can see that Cambodia has a long tradition of women running successful business and making major contributions to their families and society as a whole. Wandering into any market one is impressed by the number of female sellers operating their own shops.

A common argument is that women working outside the home leads to neglect of their children. But Cambodia has an advantage over western societies where women have struggled with the challenges of balancing a career with family life. The extended family in Cambodia provides an excellent support system; child care is frequently share among parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters. The very nature of Cambodia culture and society ensures that no child is denied love and nurturing.

Women also bring unique qualities to the workplace. They take different approaches to problem-solving and decision-making than men do. They are often more effective communicators. This is good news in an ever changing world where increasingly complex problems require increasingly diverse solutions.

As more and more options become available to them female professionals in Cambodia will have greater opportunities to contribute to their families and country. From what I have seen in the students at Norton University there is no doubt that these young women will be well prepared to meet these challenges at this exciting time in Cambodia’s development.

By: David Zdriluk

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Reference :

- Norton University Newsletter, September 2010 / January 2011, Page: 79.