DILI, 13 april 2023 ( TATOLI)– Over 200 young women and men participated in the national seminar organized by Timor-Leste Women Parliamentarian Group (GMP-TL) and Plan International Timor- Leste, funded by the European Union, aim to promote the inclusion of election at all levels.
During the two-day seminar with the theme “Empower Women, Youth, and People with Disabilities to Participate in an inclusive election in Timor-Leste”, civil society organizations, election management bodies, and other election stakeholders came together to deepen their understanding of the electoral framework focusing on important topics such as inclusion, equality, and participation.
Civil society organizations have played an important role in achieving Timor-Leste’s sovereignty, strengthening democracy, and defending human rights. Timor-Leste has several mechanisms anchored in the Constitution and in the electoral laws to ensure the participation of youth, PwD, and women in electoral processes. Timor-Leste also guarantees quotas for women’s participation in Parliament and political parties.
“As a democratic nation, we have registered significant changes in policy and laws to promote women’s leadership and political participation at all levels. However, the quality of participation continues to be increased for all men and women in the political arena. Self-empowerment and ability to work together will determine more success in the future,” Speaking to TATOLI in Delta Nova on thursday the President of the Timor-Leste Women Parliamentarian Group, ( GMPTL) Lidia Martins said.
Meanwhile, Dörthe Wacker, acting European Union (EU) Ambassador and First Counsellor for Political Affairs at the EU Delegation to Timor-Leste in her statement saying that the European Union has been a strong supporter of democracy and human rights in Timor-Leste added that this commitment has been translated into practical actions, like this project.
“We hope that activities like the seminar will further contribute to empowering civil society and thereby reinforce the efforts of the Timorese government and people to build a strong and sustainable democracy”, said Dörthe Wacker,
At the same place the Interim Country Director of PITL, Fátima Estrela Soares, appreciates this national seminar aiming to promote women, youth, and PwDs participation in elections.
“On behalf of the Plan International Timor-Leste (PITL) team, the European Union, and our International partners, including Rede Feto, ADTL, Belun, JPIC, Pátria, MOFFE & Caucus, we were pleased to host the event jointly with our close counterpart GMP-TL to promote women, youth and PwDs participation in elections and we believe that providing a space to women, youth and PwDs to share their challenges and thoughts will contribute to tackling the challenges in the election process “she concluded.
The seminar was participated by Disabilities (PwD), LGBTQI, Civil Society Organisation, Heads of the village, Women’s Associations, Rede Feto, Women from Political Parties, and Academics.
Journalist: Camilo de Sousa
Editor: Nelia B.
