Dili, October 7, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Secretary of State for Equality (S.E.I) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Timor-Leste have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Gender Equality Seal, aimed in promoting and strengthening gender equality across all sectors in the country. The signing was announced through S.E.I’s official page today (07/10/2025).
The Secretary of State for Equality, Elvina Sousa Carvalho, stated that this agreement marks an important step forward in empowering the Government of Timor-Leste in four key areas: strengthening institutional capacity on gender-responsive budgeting, knowledge-sharing networks, and enhancing information, communication, and technology systems.
“Gender-responsive budgeting is both a political and technical exercise that requires a transformative approach to integrate gender perspectives throughout the entire budget cycle. This ensures that fiscal policies and government programs respond to the specific needs of women, men, girls, and boys, and contribute meaningfully to reduce gender inequalities,” said Secretary of State Elvina Sousa Carvalho.
She added that through this partnership, S.E.I and UNDP will work closely with line ministries and state institutions to build their capacity to conduct gender-based expenditure and revenue analysis.
“As Secretary of State for Equality, I am proud to promote the Gender Equality Seal initiative as an innovative, results-based framework that allows institutions to assess and improve their performance on gender equality,” she continued.
According to Carvalho, S.E.I has previously presented Gender Awards to ministries and institutions that have demonstrated commitment to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment.
“The introduction of the Gender Equality Seal is not only about recognition but also about encouraging ministries and institutions to create more inclusive workplaces, adopt gender-sensitive policies, and become champions of change in their respective sectors,” she explained.
She emphasized that this initiative supports Timor-Leste’s national commitments under the National Gender Policy, as well as its international obligations, particularly Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).
“The Government of Timor-Leste has made important progress on gender equality, but structural barriers still exist. Achieving transformative change requires strong partnerships, continuous advocacy, and concrete action,” said Secretary of State Carvalho.
She further explained that the Gender Equality Seal is a UNDP-led certification program that recognizes and incentivizes organizations and public institutions to integrate gender equality principles into their operations and achieve measurable progress toward women’s empowerment.
The agreement also serves as a learning platform to help organizations enhance strategies, address gender gaps, and demonstrate a strong commitment to international gender equality standards in Timor-Leste.
Report by: Nelfiano
Photo: S.E.I Media