Digital Wages Boost Cambodia’s Garment Workforce
Around a million people work in Cambodia’s garment, footwear and home textiles industry, with women forming the majority of the work force. The sector has seen a significant transformation through wage digitalization, with 75% of global brand suppliers—covering over half a million workers—now paying wages digitally, a sharp rise from just 22% five years ago. This shift is driven in part by global brands and buyers, including many RISE members, advocating for digital wage payments.
The #WhenWomenRISE campaign, a collaboration between RISE and the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth for International Women’s Day 2025, highlights this progress and encourages further investment in workers’ financial health and resilience as a driver of shared economic value. The benefits extend beyond individuals, strengthening businesses and communities.
Garment workers Khanara Huy and Ry Vat, employed at a RISE partner factory, exemplify this transformation. With digital wages and tailored financial training, they have enhanced their financial resilience, gaining confidence in digital banking, savings and making informed financial decisions for a better future.
Wage digitalization also benefits factories by reducing administrative costs and improving labour compliance. A factory’s transition to digital wage payments unlocks wide-ranging advantages for businesses, workers and the broader economy.
