UNDP and the Secretariat of State for Equality Launch the Gender Equality Seal in Timor-Leste

“A milestone initiative empowering Timor-Leste’s public institutions to champion gender equality and inclusive governance.”

October 19, 2025

Photograph of four people at a formal signing, holding documents; flag and portraits in back. — Official signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UNDP Resident Representative Ms. Katyna Argueta and Secretary of State for Equality, H.E. Ms. Elvina Sousa de Carvalho, witnessed by Mr. Afonso Carmona, President of the Tribunal de Recurso, and Mr. Iotam Lerer, Head of Cooperation at the European Union.

Juleysia Sarmento/ UNDP Timor-Leste

Dili, 6 October 2025 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Secretariat of State for Equality (SEI) officially launched the Gender Equality Seal today in Dili. The launch marks a major milestone in strengthening institutional commitment to gender equality, inclusion, and good governance across public institutions in Timor-Leste.

The event was attended by Her Excellency Ms. Elvina Sousa de Carvalho, Secretary of State for Equality, and His Excellency President of Tribunal de Recurso, Mr. Afonso Carmona and Representative of EU, Mr. Iotam Lerer from the EU Head of Cooperation, European Union, along with government representatives, development partners, and civil society.

The Gender Equality Seal, supported by the European Union through the UNDP Pro-PALOP Project, aims to help public institutions integrate gender equality principles into their policies, practices, and operations. This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote inclusive governance and ensure that women and men in Timor-Leste have equal access to rights, opportunities, and public services.

H.E. Ms. Elvina Sousa de Carvalho, Secretary of State for Equality, and Ms. Katyna Argueta, UNDP Resident Representative, highlight in their remarks the shared commitment to advancing gender equality and institutional inclusion in Timor-Leste. Both emphasized that the Gender Equality Seal marks a transformative step toward building public institutions that champion fairness, accountability, and equal opportunities for all.

Juleysia Sarmento/ UNDP TImor-Leste

UNDP Resident Representative Ms. Katyna Argueta highlighted the broader vison of the initiative : “We also hope - and strongly encourage - that the Secretariat of State for Equality will share its experience and expertise with other national institutions, so that the Gender Seal can be replicated widely across government. By doing so, we can build a culture where every ministry and every agency integrates gender equality as a fundamental principle of its work.

The impact of such efforts goes far beyond policies and procedures. When institutions are equipped to promote gender equality, the effects are felt in families, in communities, and across society. Women and men gain equal access to services, resources, and opportunities. Young girls can aspire to leadership roles. Boys can grow up in an environment that values fairness and inclusion. This is how sustainable change takes root.

With today we reaffirm our shared commitment to a Timor-Leste where gender equality is not just an aspiration, but a reality. UNDP is honored to be part of this journey, together with the Government of Timor-Leste, the European Union, and all our partners.”

Speaking at the launch, Ms. Elvina Sousa de Carvalho, Secretary of State for Equality, emphasized that the introduction of the Gender Seal in the Secretariat of State for Equality represents both a celebration and a commitment:“ Today mark a significant a milestone and commitment to advance in gender and equality The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding between the Secretariat of State for Equality and UNDP is not just a formal agreement - it is a reaffirmation of our shared vision for an inclusive, equitable, and just society for all Timorese.”

“The Gender Equality Seal offers a framework for institutions to assess and improve their performance in gender equality. Today, we are introducing it not only as a form of recognition, but as a process to encourage ministries and institutions to build inclusive workplaces, adopt gender-sensitive policies, and become champions of change.”

With the presence of the Tribunal de Recurso and other entities we create a strong alliance. Through this partnership SEI and UNPD will work close with line ministries and state institution strengthening their capacity to undertake their expenditure and revenue collection and analysis based on gender responsive budget. As a Secretary state of SEI I may equally proud to promoting gender seal initiatives, which offer initiative and results works for institution”

Mr. Iotam Lerer, Head of Cooperation at the European Union, joins other distinguished guests for a group photo during the launch of the Gender Equality Seal. In his remarks, he emphasized that the initiative is more than a certification - it is a transformative tool that strengthens public institutions’ commitment to equality, inclusion, and good governance across Timor-Leste.

Juleysia Sarmento/ UNDP Timor-Leste

Mr. Iotam Lerer, Head of Cooperation at the European Union, conclude: “The Gender Seal is more than a certification. It is a transformative tool that helps public institutions integrate gender equality into their operations. By committing to it, Timor-Leste is not only reinforcing its legal and policy frameworks, but also demonstrating its determination to ensure that every citizen - regardless of gender - enjoys equal opportunities and rights in public life.

This launch is a call to action. The Gender Seal requires continuous commitment, learning, and accountability. It will succeed if it becomes a shared responsibility across all levels of government.

The EU is deeply committed to fundamental values like gender equality, and we proudly support this initiative on behalf of European taxpayers who believe in inclusive development.”

The launch reaffirms the shared commitment of UNDP, the Government of Timor-Leste, and the European Union to building a society where gender equality is not only an aspiration but a tangible reality.

The launch of the Gender Seal in SEI is the first step in a wider effort to mainstream gender equality across national institutions. Following this milestone, UNDP will work closely with SEI to extend the Gender Seal to the Chamber of Accounts, reinforcing accountability and transparency in public finance through a gender-responsive approach.

The Gender Seal’s long-term impact goes beyond institutional change - it promotes fairness, equal access to services, and empowerment for both women and men. It creates an environment where young girls can aspire to leadership roles and where boys grow up valuing equality and inclusion, laying the groundwork for sustainable social transformation.