The Cambodian Women’s Development Agency (CWDA) is a small local, 
non-profit, non-governmental organisation (NGO) with no religious or political affiliations but a strong feminist agenda. It grew out of the dissolved Phnom Penh Municipality Women’s Association and was accredited as an NGO by the Supreme National Council in May 1993.
The CWDA aims to promote self-sufficiency and self-reliance in Cambodian communities and the advancement of women’s economic and social rights. It seeks to address the socio-economic and psychological problems resulting from Cambodia’s two decades of civil war and political instability by empowering women in both their productive and reproductive capacities through education, organisation, and self-development, access to resources, advocacy and cooperation.
The philosophy and practice of the CWDA is the recognition and enhancement of the capacities and contributions of women in the process of national development. In order to reach these objectives, the CWDA focus on three main programs:
- Women’s Health and HIV/AIDS
- Community Self-Prevention against the Trafficking of Women and Children
- Vocational Training
The CWDA has well established formal and informal networks with local, national and international governments and non-government sector organisations. The CWDA works in partnership with local communities in establishing gender sensitive, participatory community development initiatives and is involved in national lobbying efforts for the promotion of women’s rights.