Recognizing Women’s role in Rural development and Food Security
Date:
Dili, Timor-Leste - Prime Minister Dr. Rui Maria de Araujo committed Timor-Leste to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number five: to achieve gender equality, when he stated “We must improve the situation of women and address the pervasive gender discrimination if we are to meet our development goals. We fully commit to achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls.”
The goal, which is one of 17 targets defined by the United Nations as vital to creating a better world, will be promoted this month during International Rural Women’s Day which will be celebrated in conjunction with World Food Day at Rekoñese Feto nia Papel ba Dezenvolvimentu Rural no Seguransa ai-han, from the 15 to the 16 October in Maubisi.
The event will see women farmers showcase their work and economic skills, and give the local community an opportunity to discuss a Resolution for rural women’s economic rights in Timor-Leste. The celebration and drafting of the Resolution has brought together Government Ministries including the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAP), the Secretary of state for the Support and Socio-Economic Promotion of Women (SEM), the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Ministry of Tourism, SEPFOPE, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of State Administration under the guidance of the Prime Minister’s Office and with support from Rede Feto and UN Women. This unified approach emphasizes the importance of rural women, 110,000 of whom work in the local agriculture industry that feeds the nation. Despite these incredible contributions to the industry, and the nutrition of the nation, women’s work often goes unrecognized, limiting their access to resources, information and support services.
Beginning on October 15 with a field visit to specially selected women’s groups in Aileu by the Prime Minister, the celebration will also include an exhibition at the Maubissi football oval, where the public is invited to view a two day display of the work and products created by numerous rural women’s groups, as well as a number of workshops. A screening of a selection of films with a women’s empowerment theme will also be shown for families on the evening of the 15th. All the events will focus on good practices in food production and nutrition, and open a discussion on what rural women need from their leaders.
To learn more please contact:
Christina Yiannakis
UN Women Timor-Leste
E-mail: christina.yiannakis@unwomen.org
UN Women is the UN organization dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. A global champion for women and girls, UN Women was established to accelerate progress on meeting their needs worldwide. www.unwomen.org