More than 300 female commune council officials started four days of meetings in Phnom Penh Tuesday, in an effort to improve their leadership skills.

The women, who came from four main political parties, are expected to meet with government officials, National Assembly members, foreign diplomats and other non-governmental agencies.

Cambodia has a very low number of women in political positions at all levels, according to the organization Silaka, which is supporting this week's meetings.

And even women in political positions lack the proper training and other capabilities, Silaka says.

Several participants said Tuesday they hoped to do work that would make them proud and would reduce discrimination.

Minister of Women's Affairs Ing Kunthaphavy said Tuesday a very low percentage of women sat in ministerial posts, and no woman has been placed as the governor of any province or district nationwide.