Paulina Quintao – Spanish NGO Paz y Desarrolo (Peace and Development) has been working to improve knowledge of the electoral process and gender relations among Timor-Leste university students.

Paz y Desarrolo representative Margarida Madureira said trainers would give lessons about the electoral process, political ethics, gender, women's participation in politics and representations of gender in the media. "We believe students are the main actors who will be able to effect social change and promote equality in Timor-Leste," she said.

She expressed concern about the implementation of laws regarding gender in Timor-Leste as in practice, these laws did little to prevent discrimination or inequality.

Similar training was provided last year to students and community radio journalists, she said, as they were key to promoting gender equality.

National University of Timor Lorosa'e (UNTL) co-operation deputy rector Ligia Tomas Correia said the training was important for students to understand gender in context.

She said communications students were selected to attend the training as the training had a heavy media focus. "They have good analytical skills and creativity to help them introduce this information about gender to people through the national media," she said.

She called on the students to take the opportunity to listen and ask questions.

Peace University student Sonia Marques thanked the Paz y Desarrolo for the training. "I think this training should be continued, not just for students but for everyone in society because most members of the community have minimal knowledge about gender issues," she said.

Source: http://www.thediliweekly.com/en/news/children-youth/12938-uni-students-learn-about-gender-relations