During the month of March, in recognition of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day (March 8, 2024), USAID is celebrating the contributions of women everywhere who work to build better lives for their families and communities. USAID is committed to advancing and investing in gender equality and women's empowerment globally.
Learn how USAID/Cambodia has inspired and encouraged women through the eyes of four its locally employed staff:
Kagna Mourng
Gender and Inclusive Development Specialist
What made you want to work at USAID/Cambodia?
Like many girls from her rural community in the Kampong Cham Province, Kagna nearly quit school and gave up on her dreams because of personal challenges and lack of financial support. Instead, she became a gender advocate for women’s empowerment in her community. Kagna was especially inspired by a group of female U.S. Peace Corps Volunteers who ran USAID-funded community projects. Meeting them encouraged Kagna to give back to her community and to help rural women like herself.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment or contribution since starting work at USAID?
One of Kagna’s biggest accomplishments has been ensuring that gender and inclusive development (GID) are integrated into the activity design, monitoring and evaluation, and the solicitation process at USAID. In December, Kagna was selected to showcase USAID/Cambodia’s inclusive development programs on women’s economic empowerment to the Asia Bureau and Inclusive Development Hub in Washington, D.C.
What advice do you have for young women or girls who aspire to work for a development agency like USAID?
“Ignore that voice inside that tells you you're not qualified and just go for it! Anyone can be a specialist and work in USAID/Cambodia,” she says. Kagna further advises women to practice self-care and self-love. “Women are always wearing two hats, either as a mother, wife, caretaker, employee or other. Enjoy the ride and have fun at the same time.“