Paulina Quintao – Former resistance member Olandina Caeiro has encouraged young women to involve themselves in politics in order to bring about positive changes to their lives.

"Many Timorese women are intelligent therefore young women should have the courage to compete to create a sense of equality between men and women in politics," she said.

Caeiro suggested women educate themselves by reading widely. She said women should prioritize higher education over early marriage.

"Mothers are asked to educate their daughters; having a better life is often not achieved through marriage but by having a job," she said.

Secretary of State for the Promotion of Equality Idelta Maria Rodrigues said women's participation in politics had greatly increased. "I am confident that women are able to take part in the process because many district women are intelligent," she said.

Source: http://www.thediliweekly.com/en/news/capital/13066-young-women-encouraged-to-take-on-politics