DILI, 07 March 2025 (TATOLI) – The Group of Parliamentarian Women in Timor-Leste (GMPTL) today brings together Timorese women and girls in Dili to celebrate International Women’s Day under the international theme, “For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, and Empowerment” and the national theme, “Women Can Lead in All Areas.”
During the event, the President of the National Parliament, Maria Fernanda Lay, stated that the initiative aimed to reaffirm the importance of ensuring gender equality in the country.
“It is an opportune time to reflect on gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in our country. Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but it is an indispensable condition for the sustainable development of the nation,” Lay said at Delta Nova in Dili.
She therefore said that gender equality must begin at home, where both men and women share household responsibilities and childcare equally.
Lay emphasized the importance of women’s empowerment, considering it a priority that requires constant action to ensure that all women can exercise their rights in all areas of life, including education, politics, work, family, and community life.
Women must not only be seen as beneficiaries of public policies but also as agents of change, with the power to shape the policies and actions that directly affect their lives and the future of our children,” she stressed.
Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão said that celebrating International Women’s Day is vital for reflecting on the role of women in fulfilling their mission and their responsibility to contribute to sustainable development, especially in crucial sectors such as health, education, justice, politics, and the economy.
“We must work together to combat inequality, discrimination, and the various forms of violence that still exist the country in order to further improve the living conditions of women and girls, providing them with opportunities for a dignified life and access to essential services,” he said.
Gusmão called on all organizations to continue working together toward an inclusive and sustainable Timor-Leste, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Present at the event were the UN Women representative in Timor-Leste, Amy Nishtha Satyam, as well as MPs, Government members, and civil society.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
