Timor-Leste Celebrates International Women’s Day with call for Equality and Women’s Leadership
The Secretariat of State for Equality, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation and UN Women in Timor-Leste organized, on March 7th, 2025, in the Main Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, the Forum on Female Leadership, which marked the beginning of the celebrations of International Women's Day in the country. With the theme ‘Women can lead in all areas’; the event highlighted the importance of female empowerment and recognising women's ability to take on leadership roles in various sectors. 
The event provided a space for debate on the persistent challenges and progress made in promoting gender equality, with emphasis on the need to remove structural and social barriers that limit women's full participation in the country's political, economic and social life The forum was attended by representatives of the Presidency of the Republic, the National Parliament, the Government, the Attorney General's Office, the diplomatic corps, development partners and national and international civil society organisations, reinforcing the joint commitment to defending women's rights and creating equitable opportunities.
This year, International Women's Day takes place under the global theme ‘For all women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment’, which emphasises the importance of a collective commitment to building a fairer world where all women and girls have access to equal rights and opportunities. The event also coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a fundamental document in the promotion of gender equality at a global level, which will be the central theme of the high-level meeting of the 69th Commission of the Status of Women (CSW), to be held from 10 to 21 March 2025 in New York. 
In her speech, the Vice-Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Milena Maria da Costa Rangel, emphasised the importance of this celebration as a moment to recognise the contribution of women to the country's development. ‘Women are not just participants, they are leaders, innovators and agents of change in various sectors. Regardless of their origin, ethnicity or social class, their voices must be heard, and it is essential to continue working to remove barriers that limit their full participation in society,’ she said. 
In his speech, the Secretary of State for Social Communication and Acting Secretary of State for Equality, Expedito Dias Ximenes, highlighted the progress made through collaboration between the government and its partners, particularly in strengthening the legal protection of women and girls, access to essential services, mobilising young people for gender equality, transforming social norms and increasing female participation in various spheres. ‘The Government is committed to continuing to promote gender equality and the defence of women's and children's rights, combating all forms of violence, discrimination and exploitation,’ said Expedito Dias Ximenes.
The event also included the reading of a message from the President of the Republic alluding to International Women's Day and cultural and gastronomic presentations from Timor-Leste and various embassies present in Timor-Leste.
