CWDA is an indigenous, non-profit, non-government organisation with no religious or political affiliations but a strong feminist agenda. It grew out of the dissolved Phnom Penh Municipality Women’s Association in May 1993 after accreditation by the Supreme National Council. CWDA has 24 core staff, 12 field researchers and 300 volunteers working on health, education and literacy projects, research, surveys and consultancies. In November 1996, CWDA was awarded the status of National Literacy Resource Centre due to its local expertise and has worked in conjunction on various probjects with international organisations, NGOs and local communities.

CWDA is dedicated to promoting 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, self-development, access to resources, advocacy and cooperation.

The philosophy and practice of CWDA is the recognition and enhancement of the capacities and contributions of women to the process of national development.