The Secretary of State for Equality, Elvina Sousa Carvalho, participated in the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), held from March 9th to 19th, 2026 at United Nations Headquarters in New York, focusing on the theme “Ensuring and Strengthening Access to Justice for All Women and Girls.” The national delegation also included the Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Dionisio Babo Soares. 
Timor-Leste’s participation reflects the Government’s commitment to promoting gender equality, improving access to justice, and eradicating gender-based violence, in accordance with its international commitments under the United Nations framework.
On March 10th, the Secretary of State for Equality spoke on behalf of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP), emphasising that access to justice is a cornerstone of human dignity, sustainable development, and peace. In her remarks, Elvina Sousa Carvalho highlighted the need for equitable and inclusive legal systems, as well as the elimination of discriminatory laws and practices and the removal of structural barriers that hinder the exercise of rights by women and girls.
The Secretary of State also noted that, despite progress being made, significant inequalities remain, with women holding only about 64% of the legal rights compared to men worldwide. This highlights the need for concrete actions to ensure the effective enforcement of these rights and their realisation in improving women’s lives.
As part of CSW70, Timor-Leste also took part in several side events. On March 9th, it co-organised, along with other countries and UN Women, a ministerial roundtable on sustainable financing for gender equality. On March 11th, it hosted a CPLP working lunch as part of its pro tempore presidency of the organisation.
On March 12th, Timor-Leste participated in a high-level meeting centred on eliminating violence against women and girls, where the Government reiterated its commitment to implementing national strategies, including the National Action Plan against Gender-Based Violence (2022–2032), strengthening the legal framework, and enhancing support mechanisms for victims.
On the same day, Timor-Leste also took part in a high-level panel commemorating the fifth anniversary of the Group of Friends for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls, where efforts to incorporate a gender perspective into public finance planning and management were showcased, including the use of gender markers in the state budget and collaboration with civil society in monitoring and evaluating public policies.
On March 13th, Secretary of State Elvina Sousa Carvalho provided an overview of the national situation concerning women’s participation in public life and decision-making processes, as well as the measures taken to eliminate gender-based violence. The report emphasised progress in political representation, with women holding about 38% of seats in the National Parliament, and the implementation of policies such as the National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security (2024–2028).
The presentation also covered initiatives aimed at empowering women economically, including financial inclusion programmes and support for entrepreneurship, as well as measures to enhance protection and aid for victims of violence.
Timor-Leste’s participation in CSW70 helped strengthen cooperation with international partners. It contributed to the global dialogue on gender equality, access to justice, and the promotion of the rights of women and girls.