This research looks closely at why most women in Cambodia work in the informal economy. It finds that their job choices are influenced not just by their skills or access to jobs, but also by strong cultural beliefs. These include expectations that women should take care of family, stick to certain types of "suitable" work, and prefer jobs that offer flexible hours and quick pay. Even though formal jobs can provide benefits like social security and financial independence, many women avoid them. This is because they worry about taxes, complicated paperwork, discrimination (especially for women from marginalized groups), and the high cost of formal jobs that don’t allow flexible hours. The report suggests a well-rounded approach to help women. It recommends government support for childcare and eldercare, better information about formal job options, and stronger policies to make workplaces more inclusive. These steps could help women feel more empowered and allow Cambodia to benefit more from its informal workforce.