Paulina Quintao – Women's organizations urge political parties from the VII constitutional government to put away party interests and uphold the public interest in order to bring sensible development for everyone in Timor-Leste.
The Director of the Women's Movement (MOFFE), Yasinta Lujina said women's organizations have no doubt with the new government's leadership ability of the country.
She hoped the new government upholds the public interest in development programs throughout the country.
"Our expectation is that they should work together. It is clear that they come with different political platforms, however they are responsible to talk about everyone's life issue and must uphold everyone's interest rather than just party interest, that is our expectation," she said in her office, in Farol, Dili.
She hoped that the new government will focus on promoting gender equality across the country in terms of participation, opportunity and equal access, so everyone can benefit from the budget execution during the process of development.
She said this is a commitment made by the Timor-Leste government to the world in order to reach the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular, the gender equality issues by 2030.
"We have the same thought, gender equality is not only a word, but needs to be put into practice. There needs to be people's participation, with opportunity, access, and benefits," she added.
The President of Women's association in the Municipality of Aileu, Cristinha da Conceicao said political parties are trusted by the people to keep promises stated during the election campaign period.
She also called for this government to continue to see gender equality as a priority issue with the government encouraging more members of government to be women, to be in decision-making positions to enable change for women, young people and children's lives.
"It has been over 10 years, and the hope is, this development will go fast, and include sensible and fair development for everyone."
She added that non-governmental organizations were ready to partner with program implementation to strengthen vulnerable communities and continue to enjoy independence with development.