UN Women Timor-Leste Quartery Newsletter | January—March 2019

As we begin 2019, we enter a year of commemoration and celebration. Timor-Leste has successfully developed as a nation in the 20 years since its historic Referendum for independence in August 1999. The county continues to demonstrate its commitment to democracy and human rights, including the rights of women. In 2019, the Timor-Leste Government will submit its review of progress against the Beijing Platform for Action in the 25 years since women's rights advocates gathered for the historic conference in Beijing. The State periodic report to the CEDAW Committee will also be submitted to share progress and challenges in the country's journey to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women. The reviews and reflections will have many milestones to celebrate- from policies and plans dedicated to gender equality and the growing representation of women in decision-making and leadership positions. And at the same time, these reviews will draw attention to the growing inequality - between women and men, particularly in rural areas, and targeting groups within the population, such as women and children with disabilities, young rural farmers and other informal workers, members of the LGBTI community and others, who are not yet benefitting from the progress envisioned in the policies.

The year 2019 can be a turning point for the youthful nation. Building on the successes of its first two decades of independence, the country and its institutions are well-placed to bring meaningful progress to all its people. This progress begins when all of Timor-Leste's people are empowered, when they are seen and heard. UN Women remains a dedicated partner to supporting this progress, working for all people, to feel respect in their diversity, to realize Timor-Leste's vision for equality. We thank you for joining us on this journey.