Dili, January 24, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The government through the Secretary of State for Equality (SEI) together with the Ministry of Business and Foreign Cooperation, in partnership with Un-Women, held a forum with the theme, “Women Have Leadership and Diplomacy for Peace and Sustainable Development”. This activity was held in the Nobre MNEK hall.
The Women’s Forum has Leadership and Diplomacy, reactive in 2023 led by the Ministry of Business and Foreign Cooperation (through the Deputy Minister for ASEAN Affairs) and SEI in partnership with Un-Women, this forum has encouraged dialogue and engagement from women leaders from several regions.
In addition, annual training seminars and capacity building activities have been held with other Ministerial ranks, with the support of Un-Women, women leaders who have the skills and knowledge needed to solve gender and development issues effectively.
In the discourse the Secretary of State for Equality, Elvina Sousa Carvalho said that this year is a big job for SEI to collaborate again with the Ministry of Business and Foreign Cooperation and Un-Women to organize the forum again.
“We reaffirm our commitment to promoting gender equality and celebrate the transformative power of women’s leadership. Over the years, the global community has made significant efforts to promote women’s leadership and participation. Despite the underrepresentation of women in political leadership and international affairs, this remains a strong reality,” SEI said.
She was proud to celebrate progress in Timor-Leste, especially in the historic election of the first female president of the National Parliament.
“Significant Women in the National Parliament with a total of 36.9% and in Timor-Leste there are 10 female Ambassadors and 7 councils in the last five years, even the disparities continue to exist at the Ministerial and local government levels, where women’s representation is still far from equal, structural barriers, social norms and limited access to networks continue to prevent women’s full participation in decision-making processes.” She stated.
She said women have always been at the center of Timor-Leste’s history, resilience and development. This forum is an important platform to celebrate their achievements, the challenges they face and ensure they are able to lead and contribute to Timor-Leste’s growth, through women’s voices, we build a society that is not only inclusive, but also prosperous and more peaceful.
She stressed that as we approach the Pekin+30 milestone, it is important to remember the principles that will be continued from the Pekin platform. Therefore, Timor-Leste’s compromise on these assets is in line with national efforts to increase capacity and training that call on governments, political parties, civil society organizations, and academics to implement capacity-building programs.
“Therefore, also conduct civic education to improve women’s capacity in political and community leadership. Strengthen the implementation of gender equality in political parties, Financial responsibility towards gender towards women in politics, Infrastructure that is accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities, strengthen and improve women’s leadership in decentralization and local power.” She explained.
Gender-sensitive and inclusive cultural practices, inclusive security for women candidates and women’s morale, gender-responsive and inclusive media that strengthens media capacity in gender-responsive and inclusive reporting.
Meanwhile, this activity is not to celebrate the realization of female leaders, but to increase the voices and contributions of women, will hear from women who have experienced challenges, traditional gender norms, ending barriers and paving the way for future generations in the future.
Women’s history provides an inspiration of courage, resilience and determination to convey the idea that transformative change can happen when women lead.
On this occasion, the representative of Un-Women in Timor-Leste, Amy Nishtha Satyam continued that the high-level dialogue noted the transformative power of the forum in gender equality action.
“By celebrating women’s leadership achievements and addressing systematic challenges, this forum will serve as a catalyst for transformative change. It leaves behind an important message that women’s leadership and voices cannot be tolerated in building just, prosperous and prosperous societies.” Said the Un-Women representative.
In addition, the forum was also attended by the Chairperson of Commission F, National Parliament, the Ministry of Business and Foreign Cooperation (MNEK), the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations Organization in Timor-Leste, the Deputy Parliamentary Secretary of State (Indo-Pacific), the British Government, the Chairperson of Un-Women in Timor-Leste and other participants.
Reported by : Estefania
Picture by : SEI official page