Since the United Nations ushered in democracy twelve years ago, Cambodia has been in a state of transition.  It has made immense progress by joining the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asian) and the World Trade Organization (WTO), and ratifying the agreements for the International Criminal Court and the Khmer Rouge Tribunal, among others. 

However, it continues to face many challenges, chief among them, poverty and gender inequality.  In a country where women comprised over half and the most vulnerable of the population, and lack economic opportunities, the Women's Association of Small & Medium Businesses (WASMB) (pronounced Waz-M-B) sees a need and an opportunity to address these concerns, especially as there is nothing similar to WASMB in existence. 

WASMB believes the development and health of a nation require the full involvement of its female population in all aspects of life, especially its economic life.  Particularly, WASMB believes information is power and the female voice must be heard; WASMB hopes to be the forum of solidarity and resource for women, especially women interested in or are already engaged in the economic life.

WASMB aims to:
·         Be a forum for the exchange of ideas and experiences for women;
·         Promote solidarity and entrepreneurship of women;
·         Provide apprenticeship, internships and resources to women;
·         Promote the rights and opportunities of women;
·         Build networks and linkages among members and other national and regional institutions; and
·         Disseminate our collective voice as women to the public at large, among others.

WASMB plans to reach the above-mentioned objectives:
·         By building a strong core group of dedicated Council and regular members;
·         By holding workshops and meetings to address relevant economic and social issues;
·         By building networks and linkages with other national and regional associations and institutions;
·         By conducting surveys and issuing reports;
·         By bulletins, newsletters and website; and
·         By social gatherings and field trips, among others.

WASMB is a business association of women for women.  It is unique.  It is NON-POLITICAL and will jealously guard its political neutrality.