DILI, 26 february 2026 (TATOLI) — The Secretary of State for Equality (SEI), in partnership with the European Union (EU) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), on thursday launched the implementation of the Gender Equality Seal for Public Institutions, a flagship initiative aimed at integrating gender equality principles into government policies, budgeting processes, and institutional practices.
The launch event, held at Hotel Timor, marked the start of Phase III of the Pro PALOP-TL Programme, co-funded by the European Union and implemented by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The initiative focuses on strengthening gender mainstreaming in key public institutions, including the Court of Appeal, the Ministry of Finance, and the Public Service Commission.
Secretary of State for Equality Elvina Sousa Carvalho said the programme represents “the beginning of a new chapter in our collective journey toward equality and good governance.”
“The launch of the Gender Equality Seal for Public Institutions is not only a milestone for Timor-Leste but also a powerful symbol of our commitment to embedding gender perspectives into every level of governance,” Carvalho said in her remarks at Hotel Timor, in Dili, today.
She noted that through consultations, assessments, and capacity-building, the three participating institutions “have stepped forward to lead by example,” demonstrating that gender equality is “a practical and measurable standard that must guide our policies, our budgets, and our daily work.”
According to Carvalho, integrating gender considerations into fiscal and tax policies, organizational management, and service delivery will help build “a society where opportunities and rights are shared equally by all.”
Speaking at the launch, the Head of Cooperation at EU Delegation to Timor-Leste, Iotam Lerer congratulated the Government of Timor-Leste and the Secretariat of State for Equality for advancing institutional commitments to gender equality.
“The Gender Equality Seal is more than a certification – it is a transformative tool. It will help your institutions to integrate gender equality into your policies, systems, and services,” said Lerer
He stressed that the initiative would measure institutional progress in gender responsiveness, address gaps in recruitment and leadership, and ensure policies are designed with women’s needs in mind, helping create “a culture where equality is not just a goal, but a standard.”
The initiative also promotes gender-responsive budgeting and equal workplace opportunities “from Dili to the most remote suco,” while encouraging girls to aspire to leadership roles, science careers, and public office.
EU officials stressed that gender equality is “not just a moral imperative—it is an economic and social necessity,” noting that inclusive decision-making and empowered women contribute to stronger institutions and national development. “When half of the population—women and girls—are empowered to reach their full potential, entire nations thrive.”
UNDP was commended for leading the rollout of the Gender Equality Seal and adapting global tools to Timor-Leste’s national context in partnership with local institutions.
Over the two-day event, participants are expected to undertake training on the Seal’s methodology, stages, and benchmarks, and establish Gender Equality Commissions to sustain implementation across institutions.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
