Donors: Pact Cambodia, supported by USAID
Location: Phnom Penh, Battambang, Siem Reap, Kampong Som
Duration: February 1, 2020 – January 15, 2023
Budget: 350,000 USD
Target Groups: Young Women Entrepreneurs (YWEs), street vendors, youth leaders, CSOs, and informal workers

Introduction 

Young women entrepreneurs (YWEs) and informal workers in Cambodia face persistent challenges in accessing public services, securing social protection, and influencing policy decisions that affect their livelihoods. The WE Act project, implemented by the Advocacy and Policy Institute (API) in partnership with Pact Cambodia and other civil society organizations, was designed to address these gaps by empowering youth and women to become active agents of change.

Through a combination of capacity building, evidence-based advocacy, and inclusive dialogue platforms, the project strengthened the civic engagement of YWEs and youth leaders across Phnom Penh, Battambang, Siem Reap, and Kampong Som. It enabled them to raise critical issues—such as access to ID Poor cards, NSSF benefits, and fair business regulations—and engage directly with government officials, market authorities, and private sector actors.

The initiative also responded to the socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic by supporting street vendors with mini-grants, legal awareness, and digital tools for advocacy. By fostering collaboration between CSOs, informal workers, and policymakers, the WE Act project contributed to a more inclusive and responsive governance environment for Cambodia’s informal economy.

Results

Policy Influence and Advocacy 

• 10 out of 76 issues raised by YWEs were resolved by authorities; the remaining were submitted through provincial and national dialogues. 

• Influenced the Ministry of Interior to implement the “One Window Mechanism at Sangkat/Commune Level.” 

• Contributed to the issuance of Decision #67 on social protection for 600,000 families affected by inflation. 

• Advocated for Covid-19 vaccinations and tax exemptions for street vendors. 

• Supported the Government’s review of ID Poor criteria and NSSF guidelines. 

Capacity Building 

• Trained 20 youth leaders and YWEs (19 women, 1 man) through online platforms and in-person workshops. 

• Conducted four echo-trainings reaching 74 participants (63 female) in Phnom Penh, Battambang, and Siem Reap. 

• Provided mini-grants of $300 to 60 YWEs to support business recovery post-Covid-19. 

• Developed online learning materials and advocacy tools for continued education. 

Public Engagement and Media Outreach 

• Reached over 905,000 people via social media campaigns. 

• Produced videos and radio programs titled “Voice of Street Vendors” to amplify grassroots voices. 

• Organized public forums and policy dialogues with over 428 participants, including 29 street vendors.