Dili, September 4, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Government of Timor-Leste, through the Secretary of State for Equality (SEI), together with the Government of Australia via the Australian Embassy in Timor-Leste, celebrated an agreement on the allocation of $22 million in funding to support the continuation of the Nabilan Program for five years under Phase III. The signing ceremony took place this Tuesday at SEI’s Maria Goreti Hall.
The Secretary of State for Equality, Elvina Sousa Carvalho, expressed her appreciation to the Government of Australia for its ongoing support to Timor-Leste in advancing gender equality through the Nabilan Program.
“The ceremony to sign this subsidiary agreement between the Government of Timor-Leste and the Government of Australia for the implementation of Phase III of the Nabilan Program aims to stop violence against women and children. This marks the continuation of an important collaboration since 2014, when Phase I was first implemented. We are now entering Phase III,” said Elvina Sousa Carvalho.
She further explained that the program is implemented by The Asia Foundation under the name Nabilan, serving as a joint commitment between Australia and Timor-Leste to invest in the implementation of the National Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence. The plan aims to prevent and eliminate all forms of gender-based violence against women and girls across the country.
“The funding allocated today covers a five-year implementation period. It also shows the possibility of extending support into a Phase IV. This subsidiary agreement strengthens collaboration and reinforces both governments’ efforts to combat gender-based violence, ensuring the effective implementation of Timor-Leste’s National Action Plan,” she added.
According to SEI, civil society organizations have been active beneficiaries of the program, with tangible impacts in providing support for survivors of gender-based violence, as well as advancing advocacy to address all forms of violence against women and children.
Through its Phase I and Phase II initiatives, the program has delivered extensive training and prevention work. The continuation into Phase III reflects Australia’s long-term commitment to promoting equality, inclusion, and the prevention of gender-based violence in Timor-Leste.
Representing the Australian Embassy, Edward Wilkinson highlighted the importance of this milestone in formalizing a governance mechanism for the Nabilan Program in Timor-Leste through the signing of the subsidiary arrangement.
“We are very pleased to continue the close working relationship between the Governments of Australia and Timor-Leste through SEI’s leadership of the National Action Plan to prevent and reduce gender-based violence,” Wilkinson said.
He further emphasized that this arrangement reflects the long-standing partnership between the two governments, and the signing marked the strengthening of this cooperation into the future.
“We also congratulate SEI and other ministries for the progress made so far in preventing gender-based violence against women and girls in Timor-Leste. This ensures survivors have access to the services they need,” the Ambassador stated.
The Australian Ambassador reaffirmed that Australia remains committed to promoting gender equality in Timor-Leste and globally, contributing to the building of safe and prosperous societies free from violence against women and girls.
Secretary of State Elvina Sousa Carvalho concluded by assuring that SEI will continue to closely monitor the implementation of Phase III to ensure the subsidiary agreement brings positive impacts in preventing GBV and strengthening the National Action Plan’s effectiveness.
Report: Nelfiano
Photo: Nelfiano