DILI, 26 february 2026 (TATOLI) — The Secretary of State for Equality (SEI), in partnership with UN Women in Timor-Leste, will mark International Women’s Day on 8 March with a national dialogue aimed at promoting women’s political participation and advancing gender equality in the country.
Secretary of State for Equality Elvina de Sousa Carvalho said the initiative seeks to create a platform for reflection and debate on women’s role in political life and the challenges of strengthening gender equality.
“The Government will celebrate together with UN Women, partners and also with the National Parliament, through a dialogue to address women’s participation in politics and the promotion of gender equality in Timor-Leste,” the official told journalists at Hotel Timor in Dili.
Carvalho noted that commemorating International Women’s Day is a longstanding annual activity of SEI, carried out in collaboration with government institutions, partners, and civil society organizations.
“The celebration of International Women’s Day, which is celebrated on March 8, is already a tradition and a regular activity. The SEI, together with its partners and NGOs, continues to work to promote gender equality in Timor-Leste,” she stressed.
She added that the celebrations aim to inspire more inclusive policymaking and strengthen collective commitment to equality.
“The celebrations serve to inspire us to develop inclusive policies and to motivate us to work even harder to promote gender equality in Timor-Leste,” she said.
Meanwhile, the head of the Rede Feto Timor-Leste, Zelia Fernandes, said activities will take place not only at the national level but also across municipalities through the network’s member organizations.
“Currently, the Rede Feto Timor-Leste faces several challenges, mainly related to the budget to finance operational activities. However, we do not work alone. Our members in the municipalities already have activities planned to mark this important date,” she said.
Fernandes added Rede Feto has established a technical team, particularly on gender-based violence, to plan interventions linked to this year’s 8 march commemorations.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
