Paulina Quintso – The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MNEC) Hernani Coelho said in 2016 the number of Timorese female ambassadors will increase.
He added that all Timorese, female and male, have equal rights to become ambassadors and that there are no specific requirements apart from the ability and commitment to serve the country.
"It is not about gender or race but it is about the spirit of nationalism and the ability and commitment to serve the nation," said Minister Coelho at the National Parliament, in Dili.
Even though the number of female ambassadors is still limited, Timor-Leste has females Ambassadors to Portugal, to the UN in America, to Singapore, to Cambodia and to South Korea.
Member of the National Parliamentarian Women's Group (GMPTL) MP Josefa Alvares Pereira Soares said the top diplomatic job is not an easy one.
She urged Timorese women to increase their knowledge of international affairs as there are more opportunities for women.
"They need not only be smart but they also need to have a sound understanding of international issues including knowledge of foreign languages," added the MP.
MP Soares acknowledged that gender promotion and equality in Timor-Leste has made significant progress as demonstrated by the high number of female parliamentarians and now with the increase of female ambassadors.