Women Riders Rev Up for Confidence, Community and Cambodian Tourism

A new motorcycle campaign led by women is setting out to do far more than chase the excitement of the open road. Its organisers want to link the cause of women's empowerment with Cambodia's tourism communities and the small businesses that give the Kingdom's destinations their distinctive character.

Launching under the banner "Ride With Confidence – Together We Ride. Together We Rise," the initiative will kick off with a women's ride through Siem Reap and the Angkor region before broadening to other well-loved destinations such as Battambang, Kampot, Kep and Preah Sihanouk.

The project unites Cambodian and international women from a range of backgrounds around themes of confidence, equality and freedom, while using its digital platform to spotlight women working in tourism and local economies.

Women at the Heart of the Story

For founder and organiser Muna Haq, the bike matters far less than the women it can help bring into the spotlight.

"The motorcycle is the symbol, but women are the story," she said. "We want people discovering Cambodia to also discover the women behind its destinations — the entrepreneurs, artists, tourism professionals, creators and community leaders."

"If the campaign brings greater visibility to their work and encourages visitors to experience and support local communities, then every kilometre we ride can create a wider impact," she added.

The organisers see the campaign as much larger than the December 12–13 Angkor ride itself. A three-month digital and advocacy effort will run around the event, introducing destinations, women and community stories to both Cambodian and international audiences.

Celebrating Women's Role in Tourism

The approach mirrors the expanding part women play in tourism-related livelihoods. In coastal communities near Kampot, for instance, women run homestays, produce food and manage other tourism ventures, while in Siem Reap many have become increasingly prominent as entrepreneurs and tourism professionals.

Ride With Confidence hopes to use their stories to encourage travellers to look beyond the usual attractions and connect with the people and businesses that sustain local destinations.

The campaign is being developed with support from the Ministry of Tourism, and organisers are actively seeking further partnerships.

Lead rider Koy Anna described how the initiative could also become a platform for women to encourage one another to embrace new challenges.

"When women see other women stepping forward, trying something new and supporting each other, it can give them confidence to do the same," she said.

"I want this campaign to celebrate Cambodian women from different communities and backgrounds and show that our strength is not only individual — it becomes stronger when women support women," she added. Anna is well known for her advocacy work, including the "Walk with Hope" journey she undertook on foot from Phnom Penh to Angkor, and she also serves as an ambassador for the Cambodian women's ministry, alongside her work as a model and actress.

A Growing Movement

The campaign also echoes the spirit of the Center for Women's Global Leadership's "16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence," tying its message of confidence and visibility to broader efforts to promote lives free from violence and discrimination.

Organisers hope Ride With Confidence will grow into an annual platform, reaching additional Cambodian destinations and welcoming more women, communities and partners. From 2027, they plan to link the initiative with women riders and partners across other ASEAN countries, creating chances for regional exchange while drawing greater international attention to Cambodian destinations and community-based tourism.

The organisers are inviting participation from UN agencies and development partners, embassies, responsible businesses, tourism operators, airlines, hotels, mobility companies, financial institutions, telecommunications firms and lifestyle brands.

Groups interested in partnering with the Ride With Confidence event can contact Muna Haq at munahaq3@gmail.com or visit ridewithconfidence.org.

For the women behind the ride, the ultimate goal is to turn the visibility the event generates into real opportunities for the women and communities featured along the way. Together they ride. Together they rise.