DILI, 21 January 2026 (TATOLI) – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MoFAC), through Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs Milena Rangel, held a meeting with REDE FETO President Zelia Fernandes and her delegation to discuss strengthening the participation of Timor-Leste’s women’s associations within ASEAN.
During the meeting, Fernandes briefed the vice minister on REDE FETO’s ongoing initiatives, including its engagement in the ASEAN People’s Forum (APF), and sought guidance on Timor-Leste’s prospective membership in the ASEAN Confederation of Women’s Organizations (ACWO), among other matters.
On this occasion, Vice Minister Rangel welcomed the updates and expressed her support for REDE FETO’s involvement in ACWO. She further encouraged continued engagement in ASEAN-led economic initiatives that promote women’s empowerment, including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and the ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs Network (AWEN).
The ASEAN Confederation of Women’s Organizations (ACWO) is a regional, non-governmental organization that brings together national women’s councils from ASEAN member states to facilitate the full integration of women in development.
Key functions and objectives of ACWO include regional cooperation and advocacy, serving as a platform for ASEAN women to exchange views, share experiences, and address common issues to enhance women’s participation in regional progress.
ACWO is one of the largest regional non-governmental women’s organizations. It was established on November 20, 1981, in Jakarta, Indonesia, by five founding members from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Rafael Ximenes de A. Asis Belo
