DILI, 11 March 2026 (TATOLI — Timor-Leste took part in the 70th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) in New York, where it underscored the need to strengthen access to justice for women and girls.
Secretary of State for Equality Elvina Sousa Carvalho led the delegation to the March 9–19 meeting at United Nations headquarters, which focused on ensuring and enhancing access to justice for all women and girls. The delegation also included Timor-Leste’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Dionisio Babo Soares.
Timor-Leste’s participation reflects its commitment to promoting gender equality, improving access to justice and eliminating gender-based violence, in line with its international obligations.
Speaking on March 10 on behalf of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), Carvalho said access to justice is a cornerstone of human dignity, sustainable development and peace. She called for fair and inclusive legal systems, the removal of discriminatory laws and practices, and action to dismantle structural barriers that limit women’s and girls’ rights.
Despite progress, Carvalho noted that women globally hold only about 64% of the legal rights available to men, highlighting the need for concrete measures to ensure that legal protections translate into real improvements in women’s lives.
On the sidelines of the session, Timor-Leste took part in several events. On March 9, it co-hosted a ministerial roundtable with partner countries and UN Women on sustainable financing for gender equality. On March 11, it chaired a CPLP working lunch as part of its pro tempore presidency of the bloc.
At a high-level meeting on March 12 focused on eliminating violence against women and girls, the government reaffirmed its commitment to national strategies, including the National Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence (2022–2032), strengthening legal frameworks and improving support services for victims.
The same day, Timor-Leste joined a high-level panel marking the fifth anniversary of the Group of Friends for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls, where it presented efforts to integrate gender perspectives into public financial management, including gender-responsive budgeting and cooperation with civil society.
On March 13, Carvalho presented an update on women’s participation in public life and decision-making, noting that women hold around 38% of seats in the National Parliament. She also highlighted policies such as the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (2024–2028).
The presentation also covered initiatives to boost women’s economic empowerment, including financial inclusion programs and support for entrepreneurship, as well as measures to strengthen protection and assistance for victims of violence.
The government said participation in CSW70 helped deepen cooperation with international partners and contributed to global dialogue on gender equality, access to justice and the promotion of women’s and girls’ rights.
TATOLI
