CWEA History and Founding Board
Discover the rich history of CWEA and the visionaries behind its creation on our “CWEA History and Founding Board” page. Learn about the founding board’s dedication to advancing the water environment profession and their lasting impact on the association’s growth and achievements. This section highlights key milestones and the evolution of CWEA from its inception to its current prominence. Explore how the legacy of these pioneers continues to shape the organization’s mission and values.
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Advisors
Our Honorary Advisors
Honorary Advisors
Cambodia Women Entrepreneurs Association
Honorary Advisors
The Honorary Advisors of the Cambodia Women Entrepreneur Association (CWEA) are distinguished individuals who offer invaluable guidance and support to our organization. These respected leaders are deeply committed to advancing the economic empowerment of women entrepreneurs in Cambodia and share CWEA’s vision of fostering a vibrant and inclusive business community.
Our Honorary Advisors bring a wealth of experience and expertise from various sectors, including business, government, academia, and civil society. Their diverse backgrounds and strategic insights provide CWEA with a broad perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing women entrepreneurs. Through their leadership, they help shape our policies, initiatives, and long-term goals.
2012
March
Founding Board of Directors
Cambodia Women Entrepreneurs Association
1st Mandate Board of Directors
Founding History of the Cambodia Women Entrepreneur Association (CWEA)
The Cambodia Women Entrepreneur Association (CWEA) was founded in 2012 with the vision of empowering and supporting women entrepreneurs across Cambodia. Recognizing the pivotal role that women play in the country’s economy, a group of passionate and driven women leaders came together to create an organization that would provide resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy for women in business.
The founding members saw the need to address the unique challenges women entrepreneurs face, including limited access to capital, training, and mentorship. With this in mind, CWEA was established as a platform to unite women business owners and professionals, fostering collaboration, innovation, and growth.
Since its inception, CWEA has been at the forefront of advocating for women’s economic participation and promoting gender equality in business. The association’s activities have included organizing networking events, business development workshops, and leadership programs designed to equip women with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in today’s competitive market.
Through its initiatives, CWEA has successfully built a strong community of women entrepreneurs who inspire and support one another. The association has become a key driver of women’s economic empowerment in Cambodia, helping countless women turn their business ideas into successful ventures, contribute to the national economy, and create a positive impact in their communities.
As we look to the future, CWEA remains dedicated to advancing the economic empowerment of women in Cambodia and ensuring that women entrepreneurs continue to have a voice in shaping the country’s economic landscape.
2015
March
2nd Mandate Board of Directors
Cambodia Women Entrepreneurs Association
2nd Mandate Board of Directors
The 2nd Mandate Board of Directors of the Cambodia Women Entrepreneur Association (CWEA) has played a crucial role in advancing the association’s mission to empower and support women entrepreneurs across Cambodia. Elected in 2015, this dedicated group of leaders brings a diverse range of expertise, vision, and passion to CWEA’s initiatives, focusing on creating sustainable economic opportunities and fostering growth for women in business.
Under the guidance of the 2nd Mandate Board, CWEA has successfully expanded its reach, strengthened its community of women entrepreneurs, and increased its influence in advocating for policies that promote gender equality and entrepreneurship. This board has worked tirelessly to ensure that CWEA remains a dynamic and impactful organization that meets the evolving needs of its members.
Key Goals and Achievements:
- Strategic Expansion: Expanding CWEA’s network and outreach, both regionally and internationally, to offer members greater access to resources, markets, and partnerships.
- Capacity Building: Launching programs that provide women entrepreneurs with the tools, training, and mentorship needed to succeed, including leadership development and financial literacy workshops.
- Policy Advocacy: Working closely with government agencies and private sector partners to advocate for policies that support women’s entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.
- Events and Networking: Organizing national and regional events, including business conferences, seminars, and networking opportunities that connect women entrepreneurs with industry leaders and potential investors.
The 2nd Mandate Board of Directors embodies the spirit of collaboration, innovation, and leadership. Through their collective efforts, they have helped shape CWEA into a strong, influential association that continues to empower women entrepreneurs across Cambodia.
2018
March
3rd Mandate Board of Directors
Cambodia Women Entrepreneurs Association
3rd Mandate Board of Directors
The 3rd Mandate Board of Directors of the Cambodia Women Entrepreneur Association (CWEA) represents the next chapter in our commitment to empowering and advancing women entrepreneurs across Cambodia. Elected in 2018, this group of dynamic leaders brings a wealth of experience, innovation, and passion for driving positive change in the business community. With a shared vision of creating an inclusive and sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem, the 3rd Mandate Board is focused on taking CWEA’s mission to new heights.
Building on the successes of previous mandates, this board continues to focus on fostering growth, strengthening partnerships, and creating opportunities for women entrepreneurs in both the local and global marketplace. The 3rd Mandate Board has been instrumental in shaping CWEA’s strategic direction, focusing on supporting women entrepreneurs through tailored programs, advocacy, and networking.
Key Goals and Achievements:
- Expansion of Network and Outreach: Under the leadership of the 3rd Mandate Board, CWEA has significantly expanded its reach by partnering with regional and international organizations. This has provided members with enhanced access to global markets, resources, and best practices.
- Innovation and Capacity Building: The board has introduced new programs focused on innovation, digital transformation, and sustainability, ensuring that women entrepreneurs stay competitive in an ever-changing business environment.
- Policy Advocacy and Gender Equality: This mandate has worked to strengthen our voice in advocating for gender-inclusive policies and practices within the business ecosystem, collaborating with key stakeholders to support the advancement of women in business.
- Strategic Partnerships: The 3rd Mandate Board has forged strategic alliances with government agencies, the private sector, and civil society organizations, furthering the goal of creating a thriving environment for women entrepreneurs in Cambodia.
- Empowering Women Leaders: With a focus on leadership development, the board has launched mentorship programs, workshops, and leadership summits to empower the next generation of women leaders, fostering a robust pipeline of women entrepreneurs across the country.
The 3rd Mandate Board of Directors continues to set ambitious goals, pushing CWEA to innovate and evolve while staying true to its core values of empowerment, collaboration, and support for women in business. Their collective dedication, expertise, and leadership will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the Cambodian entrepreneurial landscape.
As the 3rd Mandate Board guides CWEA into its next phase, their leadership is instrumental in shaping an ecosystem where women entrepreneurs not only survive but thrive. CWEA remains committed to creating opportunities, amplifying voices, and driving social and economic change, with the support of our visionary board.
2021
March
4th Mandate Board of Directors
Cambodia Women Entrepreneurs Association
4th Mandate Board of Directors
The 4th Mandate Board of Directors of the Cambodia Women Entrepreneur Association (CWEA) represents a new era of leadership, innovation, and growth for the organization. Elected in 2021, this diverse and visionary group of leaders is committed to continuing the association’s mission of empowering women entrepreneurs and creating a more inclusive and sustainable business environment in Cambodia.
The 4th Mandate Board is focused on accelerating the impact of CWEA by fostering deeper collaboration between women entrepreneurs, business leaders, government bodies, and international partners. With a renewed focus on digital transformation, social impact, and sustainability, the 4th Mandate Board is dedicated to supporting the evolving needs of women entrepreneurs in a rapidly changing global economy.
Key Goals and Achievements:
- Digital Transformation and Innovation: Recognizing the need for women entrepreneurs to adapt to the digital age, the 4th Mandate Board has prioritized initiatives that promote digital literacy, e-commerce, and the use of technology in business. Through digital training programs and platforms, CWEA is equipping members with the tools to thrive in an increasingly digital economy.
- Women’s Leadership and Empowerment: The board has launched new programs focused on nurturing leadership skills among women entrepreneurs, especially in traditionally male-dominated industries. These programs include mentorship opportunities, leadership workshops, and networking events that connect emerging leaders with industry veterans.
- Advocacy for Policy Reform: Continuing its efforts to advocate for gender equality in the business world, the 4th Mandate Board has been actively involved in shaping policies that support women entrepreneurs, including promoting access to finance, eliminating barriers to business ownership, and pushing for more inclusive business laws.
- Building Strategic Partnerships: The 4th Mandate Board has forged new partnerships with local, regional, and international organizations to provide CWEA members with expanded opportunities, resources, and markets. These partnerships also aim to enhance the visibility of women entrepreneurs on the global stage.
- Focus on Sustainability and Social Impact: The board has emphasized the importance of sustainable business practices and social entrepreneurship, encouraging women entrepreneurs to integrate environmental and social considerations into their business models. This focus on sustainability aims to help businesses not only succeed economically but also contribute positively to society and the environment.
Under the leadership of the 4th Mandate Board, CWEA is entering an exciting new phase of growth and transformation. Their focus on innovation, empowerment, and advocacy is driving the organization forward as it continues to support women entrepreneurs in overcoming challenges, seizing opportunities, and making a lasting impact in Cambodia and beyond.
With a clear vision for the future, the 4th Mandate Board is committed to ensuring that CWEA remains a leading force for women’s economic empowerment in Cambodia, helping to create an environment where women entrepreneurs can excel, inspire, and lead.
2024
March
5th Mandate Board of Directors
Cambodia Women Entrepreneurs Association
5th Mandate Board of Directors
The 5th Mandate Board of Directors of the Cambodia Women Entrepreneur Association (CWEA) is a dynamic and visionary group of leaders committed to propelling the association into a new era of growth, collaboration, and impact. Elected in 2024, this diverse and experienced board is focused on strengthening CWEA’s mission to empower women entrepreneurs, foster innovation, and create lasting economic opportunities for women in Cambodia.
Building on the foundation set by previous boards, the 5th Mandate Board is dedicated to advancing women-led businesses through a strategic focus on innovation, sustainability, inclusivity, and global partnerships. The board’s leadership and expertise are central to CWEA’s continued success in supporting women entrepreneurs at every stage of their business journey.
Key Goals and Achievements:
- Driving Economic Empowerment: The 5th Mandate Board has committed to expanding opportunities for women entrepreneurs by advocating for policies that facilitate access to capital, markets, and networks. By prioritizing inclusive economic policies, the board is helping create an ecosystem where women-led businesses can thrive and scale.
- Championing Digital Transformation: With a focus on the digital economy, the board has introduced initiatives to help women entrepreneurs adopt and integrate technology into their business practices. This includes digital literacy training, e-commerce support, and access to digital tools that help businesses grow in a rapidly changing marketplace.
- Fostering Innovation and Sustainability: The board has placed a strong emphasis on innovation and sustainable business practices. By supporting women entrepreneurs in adopting green technologies, promoting sustainable business models, and fostering innovation, the 5th Mandate Board is helping position CWEA as a leader in the intersection of entrepreneurship and sustainability.
- Strengthening Global Connections: Recognizing the importance of international exposure, the board has facilitated strategic global partnerships, bringing new opportunities, expertise, and markets to CWEA members. These partnerships allow Cambodian women entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services to a wider audience while connecting with international industry leaders and investors.
- Leadership Development and Capacity Building: The 5th Mandate Board is dedicated to empowering the next generation of women leaders. Through tailored leadership development programs, mentorship opportunities, and capacity-building initiatives, CWEA is nurturing strong, capable women leaders who will drive economic growth and social change in Cambodia.
As CWEA moves forward under the guidance of the 5th Mandate Board, the focus remains on creating a vibrant ecosystem where women entrepreneurs can access the resources, networks, and opportunities they need to succeed. The board’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth, promoting sustainability, and advocating for systemic change ensures that CWEA will continue to be a powerful force in empowering women and driving the success of women-led businesses in Cambodia.
With their unwavering dedication and visionary leadership, the 5th Mandate Board of Directors is poised to lead CWEA into an exciting future, where women entrepreneurs are not only shaping the business landscape in Cambodia but also contributing to the country’s broader economic development.