Dili, 21 February 2026 (Média Democracia) – Ministry of Finance (MF) together with the Secretary of State for Equality (SEI) held a meeting regarding the Gender Budget Declaration for 2026 to empower women and marginalized groups in Timor-Leste. The meeting took place at the Finance Auditorium Hall Aitarak Laran, Thursday this week.
Vice-Minister of Finance (VMF), Regina de Jesus, informed that this dialogue forum on the Gender Budget Declaration for 2026 aims to understand the concrete progress of gender equality and inclusion in Timor-Leste. The forum served as a platform to share experiences between the Australian Government and Timor-Leste, with a visit from the Australian Ambassador for gender issues in Asia-Pacific.
“The Dialogue Forum on Gender Sensitive Budget Declaration brings us together here not just to talk about commitment, but to recognize the progress and concrete results on equality and inclusion in Timor-Leste, reflecting significant efforts thanks to strong leadership from (SEI) and key institutions accountable for leading the National Action Plan and other national commitments in important areas.” Said Vice-Minister of Finance (VMF) Regina de Jesus
Vice-Minister added, the Ministry of Finance, as the institutional nucleus for gender-sensitive budgeting, is framework of public financial management based on results and a design approach to strenghthen evidence-based decision making, ensuring fair budget allocation.
“We know the Ministry of Finance has institutionalized Gender Sensitive Budgeting in the public financial manegement framework as a result-based management tool. The design approach strengthens evidence-based decision-making and accountability for results to boots budget credibility. We don’t just look at budget allocation, but the budget will be allocated fairly and equitably to respond to the diverse needs of women, men, girls, and boys in Timor-Leste.” Added Vice-Minister of Finance
The Vice-Minister affirmed, this responsibility directly supports the implementation of the National Strategic Development Plan (2011-2030) and the National Gender Equality Policy, aiming to ensure the national budget not only reflects gender priorities on paper, but also shows tangible progress towards long-term gender equality results in Timor-Leste.
In the same venue, Secretary of State for Equality (SEI), Elvina de Souza Carvalho, stated that a gender-responsive budget is not just a technical exercise, but a transformative tool for justice, empowerment, and inclusive development, undertaken through strategic dialogue with guarantees and fairness to respond to the needs of all citizens as desired by Timor-Leste.
“This forum discusses gender-responsive budgeting not just as a technical exercise, but as a transformative tool for justice, empowerment, and inclusive development. Through our discussions, we highlight the importance of integrating a gender lens at every stage of the budget cycle, ensuring resources are allocated fairly and strategically to meet the needs of all citizens in Timor-Leste.” Said Secretary of State for Equality Elvina de Souza Carvalho
The Secretary of State added, besides that, she also recognizes the crucial role of strong collaboration with partners between Timor-Leste and Australia, thus addressing global challenges and promoting women’s empowerment leadership globally.
“We also recognize the crucial role of cross-border collaboration, particularly the strong partnership between Timor-Leste and Australia, in addressing global challenges and promoting women’s leadership and empowerment. Our presence here strengthens collective resolve to eradicate discrimination and build a society where equality is a lived reality.” Added Secretary of State for Equality (SEI)
The Secretary of State informed, through this dialogue forum, there’s determination to turn commitments into concrete actions, so partners continue to inspire and strengthen empowerment of women and marginalized groups in Timor-Leste, especially in rural areas.
Futher explains the National Gender Budget Declaration remains a cornerstone to guide efforts and provide transparency, measure progress, and precisely direct further work. In addition today’s dialogue has depeened understanding and commitment to integrate GRB in all sectors, to ensure the program, contributes to equality and sustainable development in Timor-Leste.
Reporting : Nelfiano
Photo : Nelfiano