Dili, October 13, 2025 (Média Democracia) – In celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child, Lucia Maria Amaral, from Ainaro Municipality, Hatudu Administrative Post, Leolima Village, and a student at the UNTL, Faculty of Education, Department of Portuguese Language, symbolically assumed the role of Secretary of State for Equality (S.E.I) and led the institution for two hours. Média Democracia accessed this information from the S.E.I official page today, (13/10/2025).
The Secretary of State for Equality, Elvina Sousa Carvalho, explained that the International Day of the Girl Child is a global celebration that honors girls and advocates for their rights to access education, leadership, decision-making, and to live free from discrimination.
“The Secretary of State for Equality, together with S.E.I managers, accompanied Lucia Maria Amaral as she took over the position of Secretary of State for Equality and led an internal management meeting for two hours. The discussion focused on this year’s theme, ‘Ending Child and Forced Marriage and Informal Unions’, linked to S.E.I’s strategic advocacy efforts on early marriage, its root causes, and the preparation for the upcoming International Day of Rural Women 2025,” said Secretary of State Elvina Sousa Carvalho.
She further expressed appreciation to Plan International for its annual program aimed at empowering and providing opportunities for girls, motivating them to prepare for their future roles.
“We express our gratitude to Plan International for their consistent annual initiative that empowers and gives opportunities to girls, motivating them to prepare for their futures as capable, qualified young women. Every year, S.E.I collaborates with Plan International to give girls the opportunity to ‘take over’ leadership roles for several hours,” she added.
The Secretary of State also highlighted that Lucia, a young woman with physical disability, demonstrated courage and knowledge about gender equality and inclusion, serving as an inspiration to other girls and young women, especially those with disabilities to continue empowering themselves and developing their capacities for the future.
Meanwhile, Lucia Maria Amaral expressed her gratitude for the unique opportunity to temporarily assume the role of Secretary of State for Equality.
“I am very grateful for this opportunity because the Secretary of State and her team gave me as a young woman with a disability the space to lead as the Secretary of State for Equality, even if only for a short time,” said Lucia Maria Amaral.
She added that the “Girls Take Over” activity is organized annually as part of the International Day of the Girl Child celebration, with the aim of motivating and strengthening the leadership and decision-making skills of girls, helping them gain experience in negotiation, policy, and national representation as part of their learning journey.
Additionally, the event was implemented by the Secretary of State for Equality, in collaboration with Plan International Timor-Leste, marking an important milestone for the future of gender equality in the country.
The commemoration also involved girl participants from rural areas, including Aileu, Ainaro, and Manufahi municipalities, representing girls from across Timor-Leste.
Reporter: Nelfiano
Photo: Media S.E.I