Dili, October 18, 2025 (Média Democracia) — The Secretary of State for Equality (S.E.I), through the Director of DNDIJ-SEI, together with representatives from the President of Dili Municipality Authority (PAM), the Secretariat of Social Affairs, and the President of the Dili Municipality Women’s Association (AFEMDIL), held an opening ceremony for the Training and Capacity Building Program on Women’s Empowerment in Family Economic Life.
The activity was organized by AFEMDIL and reported by Média Democracia through the S.E.I’s official page this week.
In her speech, Director of DNDIJ-SEI, Olga da Costa Monteiro, congratulated AFEMDIL for its good and relevant initiative in organizing the training aimed at strengthening women’s capacity in the economic sector.
“The objective of this training is to provide education and capacity building for potential women and women’s groups in Dili Municipality so that, through this training, they can enhance their abilities to better manage their own groups that have already received funding from S.E.I.,” said Director Olga da Costa Monteiro.
She added that this activity serves as concrete evidence that women in Dili Municipality and throughout Timor-Leste are moving forward with strong motivation to play an active role in the country’s socio-economic development. Women should not only receive moral support but also need access to information, skills, and mechanisms to sustain their families, support their groups, and contribute to their communities.
“Training in the economic field is an instrument women can use to become independent, increase their confidence, and make decisions regarding their participation and activities. Such programs help women start their own businesses, develop local products, increase family income, and give hope to their children for a better future,” affirmed Director Olga da Costa Monteiro.
She further explained that training in the economic sector serves as a tool for women to boost self-confidence and make decisions that help them engage in business activities and support their children’s education.
The Training and Capacity Building Program lasted for two days and was facilitated by a team from IADE, which provided materials on accountability and entrepreneurship. Participants included representatives from five administrative posts, members of AFEMDIL from the same posts, and potential women’s groups from Dili Municipality.
Reporter: Nelfiano
Photo: Media S.E.I