Cambodia’s Digital Future at Risk as Women Remain Underrepresented in STEM Careers

A new ADB–CDRI study finds that despite rising female participation in higher education, women remain severely underrepresented in Cambodia’s STEM sectors, with only 17% of tertiary STEM students and significantly lower retention in STEM careers than men. The report warns that closing this gender gap is critical for Cambodia’s digital and green economy ambitions, calling for gender-responsive education policies, workplace reforms, and stronger support from governments, development partners, and the private sector.

A new study by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Cambodia Development Resource Institute (CDRI) warns that Cambodia's ambitions to build a competitive digital and green economy may be at risk if the country fails to close the gender gap in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

The study finds that although more Cambodian women are entering higher education, they remain significantly underrepresented in STEM fields. Women account for only 17% of tertiary STEM students, making Cambodia one of the countries with the largest STEM gender gaps in Southeast Asia. The imbalance is particularly severe in engineering and information and communication technology (ICT), two sectors expected to drive future economic growth.

Women Continue to Be Left Behind in STEM Education

The report shows that overall access to higher education has improved for both men and women. However, female participation in STEM has not increased at the same pace.

Among young people aged 18–25, only about 5% of women study engineering and ICT, compared with 22% of men. Health sciences remain the only STEM field where women are well represented.

Researchers found that family expectations, social norms, and lack of information play a major role in shaping educational choices. Many families encourage daughters to pursue teaching, healthcare, or administrative careers instead of engineering and technology. Women are also more likely to face restrictions on mobility and access to educational opportunities, especially in rural areas.

The Talent Pipeline Leaks Before Reaching the Workforce

The gender gap becomes even larger when graduates enter the labor market.

While 77% of male STEM graduates secured a STEM-related first job, only 68% of female graduates did so. Overall, just 51% of employed female STEM graduates currently work in STEM occupations, compared with 61% of men.

The biggest losses occur in engineering and ICT. Only 55% of female engineering graduates and 43% of female ICT graduates remain in STEM careers, compared with 74% and 65% of men, respectively.

This means Cambodia is losing a significant share of trained female talent before it can contribute to key growth sectors.

Economic Costs and Business Risks

The study highlights major economic consequences of the gender gap. Men working in STEM earn an average of $624 per month, while women earn $464, a wage gap of about 26%.

Women are concentrated in education, health, and social services, while men dominate higher-paying sectors such as ICT, engineering, scientific services, and technical industries.

The report also shows that married women spend about 4.5 hours per day on caregiving and household work, compared with 2.2 hours for married men. These responsibilities reduce opportunities for professional development, promotions, and leadership positions.

For businesses, this creates a growing risk. As Cambodia expands its digital economy, renewable energy sector, and advanced manufacturing industries, companies may face shortages of skilled workers if half of the potential talent pool remains underutilized.

Why Governments and Development Partners Should Act

The findings carry important lessons for policymakers and development agencies. Cambodia's industrial and technology strategies require a larger STEM workforce, yet current gender disparities are limiting the country's human capital potential.

The report recommends strengthening STEM education from an early age, improving career guidance for girls, expanding scholarships, and investing in laboratories and learning facilities. Better access to information about STEM careers is also needed, particularly in rural communities.

For international development partners, the study highlights opportunities to support mentorship programs, women's leadership initiatives, STEM scholarships, and partnerships between universities and employers. Long-term monitoring is also needed to ensure that investments in STEM education translate into employment opportunities for women.

Building a More Inclusive Innovation Economy

The report concludes that closing Cambodia's STEM gender gap is not only a matter of equality but also an economic necessity. Companies that adopt inclusive hiring practices, flexible working arrangements, mentorship programs, and safe workplaces will be better positioned to attract skilled talent.

For Cambodia, increasing women's participation in STEM could strengthen productivity, expand the skilled workforce, boost innovation, and support the country's transition toward a knowledge-based economy. Without stronger action, the nation risks limiting its ability to compete in the industries that will shape future growth.