Dili, July 3, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Secretary of State for Equality (SEI), through the National Directorate for Gender Equality Development (DNDIJ), officially signed cooperation agreements with the Women’s Associations of 12 Municipalities and RAEOA (Special Administrative Region of Oecusse-Ambeno), as well as several national NGOs working in the areas of women’s capacity building and gender-based violence (GBV) prevention. The ceremony took place at the Maria Goreti Hall, SEI Caicoli, on Tuesday.
The Secretary of State for Equality, Elvina Sousa Carvalho, stated that SEI signed the agreements with the presidents and vice-presidents of the municipal women’s associations and 13 national NGOs, including organizations led by persons with disabilities and LGBTQI+ community.
“The agreement refers to the funding support provided by SEI to the Municipal Women’s Associations and NGOs through the Public Transfer Fund (FTP), aimed at strengthening women’s leadership capacities from the municipality down to the village level. This includes training, information dissemination, and socialization of the Local Power Law, economic empowerment programs, and leadership training to help women prepare to participate in the upcoming Municipal Chamber elections. This fund will also support civil society organizations working specifically in gender-based violence prevention,” said Secretary Elvina.
In her opening remarks, the Secretary expressed her appreciation for the leadership roles of the municipal women’s associations and the NGO directors, which SEI considers crucial, especially in reaching communities in rural areas.
“SEI is a key partner for you to empower women in political and economic life, and in the prevention of gender-based violence, and to assist those who are vulnerable, isolated, and lacking access to important information. Your service in assisting and empowering them in difficult times ensures they can access vital resources,” she added.
She emphasized that although the budget allocated is relatively small, SEI trusts that the Municipal Women’s Associations and NGOs will manage and use the funds effectively to benefit the target groups of each program to be implemented in the 12 municipalities, including RAEOA.
Also speaking at the event, the Director of the National Directorate for Gender Equality Development (DNDIJ), José do Rosário de Carvalho, reiterated that SEI, as a state mechanism responsible for gender equality and inclusion, remains committed to working collaboratively with all national and municipal entities to strengthen women’s leadership and prevent gender-based violence.
“SEI is providing financial support to the Women’s Associations from 12 municipalities and RAEOA, totaling $52,000 – with each association receiving $4,000. Meanwhile, eight national NGOs are receiving a total of $54,000, allocated as follows: Feto Prontu Lidera $15,000; ALFELA $8,000; FOKUPERS $8,000; Alola Foundation $8,000; Juventude Hamutuk ba Futuru Saúde-TL (JHFS-TL) $2,000; Klibur Defisiénsia Tilun-TL (KDT-TL) $3,000; Asosiasaun Dezenvolvimentu ba Futuru Labarik (ADFL) $3,000; Asosiasaun Halibur Defisiénsia Matan-TL (AHDMTL) $3,000; and CODIVA $4,000,” said Director José do Rosário.
He further explained that following last year’s women’s associations congress, SEI has assigned a key responsibility to these associations: to coordinate efforts in empowering women leaders in the municipalities, preparing them for decentralization and engagement in local power structures.
Finally, the Secretary of State emphasized that this event was organized to celebrate the signing of these agreements with women’s associations from all 12 municipalities including RAEOA, and with national NGOs focused on women’s empowerment and gender-based violence prevention across the country.
Report: Nelfiano
Photo: Nelfiano