Dili, October 29, 2024 (Média Democracia) – The Secretary of State for Equality together with four Development partners have completed the “Together for Equality” program which conducted a four-year survey for four municipalities such as, RAEOA, Covalima, Baucau and Dili on Gender Based Violence which received funding from KOICA.
SEI, Elvina Sousa Carvalho felt proud to be able to participate in this event to see firsthand the training that has been doing for four years.
“I am proud to participate in this event to support the good practices that have been carried out for four years through the ‘Together for Equality’ program implemented by United Nations agencies such as UN Women, IOM, UNDP, and UNFPA together with 50 national partners,” said Secretary of State for Equality, Igualdade Elvina Sousa Carvalho at City8, on Monday.
She also expressed her gratitude to the Korean Government through KOICA for providing financial support for this program.
“I would like to thank the Korean government through KOICA for providing financial support for this program for four years starting from November 2020 to November 2024. Your contribution and dedication to achieving gender equality in Timor-Leste through cooperation with the Timor-Leste Government in order to prevent and respond to Gender-Based Violence.” She said.
She added that all existing efforts were being made to combat violence against women and girls in Timor-Leste.
“We all know that the fight of violence against women and girls is not only to achieve gender equality but also to build a future for new generations free from all forms of violence against women and girls,” She said.
The governor also asserted that the ninth government will continue to compromise to combat Gender Based Violence through the PAN for GBV.
“Through the 10-year National Action Plan for Gender-Based Violence that invites 39 state institutions including city governments to submit annual action plans and allocate funds for prevention, responding to Gender-Based Violence.” She stressed.
The “Together for Equality” program works with individuals, students, teachers, athletes, and the general public to change behavior and social norms together to prevent violence against women and girls.
Increasing access to essential services such as health, justice and social services, and strengthening legislation and policies to prevent violence against women and girls.
As the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Timor-Leste, Arvind Mathur acknowledged the compromises made by the Timor-Leste government with civil society to promote the importance of GBV-related programs.
“We acknowledge the compromises that the Timor-Leste government and civil society partners have made to advance this important agenda, their leadership and dedication are critical to ensuring that the progress we have made to prevent and respond to gender-based violence will continue into the future,” he said.
On this occasion, the National Director of KOICA in Timor-Leste, Youhnwa Kang said that very proud to take an important role in creating cooperation to prevent Gender-Based Violence.
“KOICA is honored to play a leading role in creating a comprehensive framework to prevent and address gender-based violence, marking a significant milestone in strengthening women and girls in Timor-Leste.” Said National Director of KOICA in Timor-Leste, Youhnwa Kang
The “Together for Equality” program brings together expertise and efforts from Timor-Leste government agencies, four United Nations organizations, KOICA and OSS, along with participation from development agencies. Through collective strength building, the initiative addresses issues of domestic violence, sexual harassment, violence in public spaces, and gender-based violence in the context of disaster risk reduction.
Reported by : Estefania
Photo : Estefania