Paulina Quintso – Timor-Leste's Women's Network (Rede Feto-RF) organization is working with the Secretary of State for Vocational Training Policy and Employment (SEPFOPE) to provide gender training for youths.
RF Capacity Building Officer Filomena Fuca said it aims to raise awareness around issues of gender equality among young people. "We want to improve their knowledge about gender so that during the training they can have respect and support each other," said Fuca at her residence in Kaikoli, Dili.
She said it was important for all people to understand and eliminate discrimination against women within families and wider society. The training initiative got underway in February and is being supported by the Asian Development Bank ADB.
Meanwhile, SEPFOPE's Director General (DJ) Jacinto Barros Gusmso said it was important participants implemented what they learnt in their every day life. "We want them to have a good understanding about gender equality so there will be no more discrimination in the office," said Gusmso.
Meanwhile, women's rights activist Isabella Galhos said gender equality should be a priority for all Timorese people. "Gender equality is not only about women, it is about everyone in Timor," she said.