The Group of Parliamentarian Women of East Timor (GMPTL) and CAUCUS, non-governmental organization, organized a two-day conference, 5 and 6 December, in the New Delta lounge, on the theme “Under the leadership of Gender, we will walk towards Peace and Stability “.

The President of GMPTL, Josefa Pereira, said that “this national conference emerged from a process that had already started with a meeting at the national level, where it was intended to promote leadership and participation of women in the 2012 elections. This meeting took place on 7 and 8 of last November, where they discussed strategies with the aim of increasing women’s participation in the 2012 elections”.

Therefore, this conference aims to contribute to strengthening the leadership and promoting women’s participation in the next elections while seeking to develop a strategic plan for the implementation of activities effectively and decisively.

The Secretary of State for Council of Ministers, Agio Pereira, representing the Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao, congratulated the group for drafting the “Strategic Plan for the leadership capacity building and participation of women in the elections of 2012, requiring that in the future, debates are held more often. “

“When we talk about the parliamentary elections of 2012 which is our reference? Which method to use for the empowerment of women? We must bear in mind that the 2012 elections, with an electorate larger than before, has a full round of voters of more than 620 thousand people. Of these, about 46% are women, “said Agio Pereira.

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Timor-Leste, Ameerah Haq showed her delight for the fact that women from 15 parties have signed the political platform for the general election of 2012, reinforcing the progresso felt by the fact that there is more importance given to this national issue.

“I congratulate the Office of the Secretary of State for the Promotion of Equality for having provided this event, adding value in the perspective of the development of East Timor towards peace and stability,” said Ameerah Haq.

This event was attended by the Secretary of State for Council of Ministers, Agio Pereira, the Deputy Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Timor-Leste, Finn Reske-Nielsen, the UNPOL Commissioner, Luis Carrilho, the political party leaders and other elements of Rede Feto.