Paulina Quintao – After conducting a comparative study to Australia, the President of the Timor-Leste Parliamentary Women's Group (GMPTL), MP Lidia Norberta, said lack of childcare services to be the main factor impeding women's involvement in public life.
She also said this does not only happen in Timor-Leste, but women in Australia also face the same difficulty, and many women must sacrifice their careers to look after the family.
"During our sharing of information, we identified that women in Australia face the same problem as the women of Timor-Leste. Professional women, politicians, find it difficult to allow other people to look after their children," she said at the National Parliament, in Dili.
She said for example, in Australia a female Minister left her job to look after her children.
During the visit, GMPTL asked the government of Australia to support the group to conduct research and undertake a survey to get concrete data in support of a national policy to create better work and life balance.
She added also that another issue that needs to be addressed relates to inclusion so that the necessary conditions are created for people disabilities and for the elderly, as part of the duty of care of the government to ensure inclusion of all in society.
Meanwhile, MP Elvina de Sousa said the comparative study program entitled "Women Supporting Women" is a very good program, because it gives the opportunity for women in both countries to share experiences with one another about women's development and the policies needed to better the condition of women.
She said Australia appreciates the achievements of Timor-Leste's development so far, especially with the high number of women represented in politics, despite the challenges faced.
"Women in both countries almost face the same issues, such as women in politics and how to keep a balance between politics and house work," she said.
She added that, Australia appreciated the 30% women quota that Timor-Leste applies to the list of candidates and with the establishment of GMPTL, whose members belong to the political parties represented in parliament, which does not happen in Australia.
She said that, with the comparative study visit, the GMPTL was able to create personal connections with Australian women MPs so they can support each other.