Timor-Leste participate in the 2nd World Conference of Women's Shelters in Washington
The Secretary of State for the Promotion of Equality, Idelta Maria Rodrigues lead a Timor-Leste delegation composed of Senior Officials from her office and from the Ministry for Social Solidarity to participate in the 2nd Conference on Women's Shelter in Washington, D.C., United States of America commencing on February 27 to March 1, 2012. The first World Conference on Women's Shelter was held in Canada in 2008.
“Despite being the second edition, this is the first time Timor-Leste participates in World Conference on Women's Shelters that this year will bring together 1,300 lawyers from 95 countries, who work actively towards ending violence against women" says Idelta Maria Rodrigues.
The conference will bring together advocates, service providers, government representatives, funders, corporate partners, students and activists to be able to learn and share strategies and workable solutions to end violence against women through supporting survivors and holding perpetrators accountable to their actions.
The Secretary of State for the Promotion of Equality further added, “One in every three women around the world has been beaten, forced into sex or abused in her lifetime, usually by someone known or close to her.”
Violence against women is a major obstacle to women attaining equality, development and peace, and prevents women from enjoying their human rights and fundamental freedoms and a life of dignity, free from oppression.
“Our participation in this conference will equip us with new tools and resources to strengthen our work in Domestic and Gender-based Violence in Timor-Leste”, concludes the Secretary of State.
During the conference, Idelta Maria Rodrigues and her delegation are expected to meet with the High Ranking Government Official of the Department of State of the United States of America and visit some Women Shelters.
