Beyond digital wages: How financial confidence empowers women 

When women gain financial skills and access to the right services, they can create a more secure future for themselves and their families. That’s exactly what RISE Financial Health is making possible in Cambodia. 

The program not only helps factories transition from cash to digital wages, but also equips workers - especially women - with the knowledge to manage their money. Through gender-sensitive training, participants learn about financial planning, budgeting, saving, and discussing finances with their families. 

For Sophavy Seng, a project manager at RISE implementing partner Cambodian Women For Peace and Development (CWPD), the goal is simple; empower women with financial confidence.  

Sophavy works closely with suppliers, including Marvel Garment Co Ltd factory, helping women set and achieve financial goals. 

 “I’m a woman, and I want all women to have good financial health. We want workers to know how to manage money and do budgeting so that their cash flow is well-balanced and they can save,” says Sophavy. 

“We ask women what their financial goals are. For example, many want to buy a motorbike so they can take their child to school.  Rather than take a loan with high interest, we help them create a six-month savings plan to reach their goals.”  

Transforming lives in garment factories across Cambodia 

Since 2021, RISE and CWPD have delivered workplace programs in 84 factories across Cambodia, reaching 144,780 workers (80% women).  

Of those, 34 factories with 45,591 workers (81% women) have participated in RISE Financial Health programs.