Together for Equality

Summary

Considering the high youth population in Timor-Leste, there is an unprecedented opportunity to break the cycle of Gender Based Violence through dedicated investment in evidence-based approaches to prevention and response. In the context of the recent COVID-19 pandemic and increases in violence against women and children worldwide, it is even more urgent to make strategic investments in preventing violence before it begins and expanding access to quality essential services to survivors of gender-based violence. Within this context, the Joint UN effort can contribute to accelerating efforts for gender equality to bring about transformative change. 

Specifically, in Timor-Leste, as part of 5DG 5, UNDP supports national partners to develop and implement the required legal and policy frameworks to combat sexual and gender-based violence since the beginning of the country existence in 2002. UNDP's contribution to gender equality in Timor-Leste in the past includes improving access to justice for survivors of gender-based violence, ending impunity for perpetrators and providing survivors with multi­sectoral support and services.

Background

Timor-Leste is one of the youngest nations in the region, with more than one third of the population (36%) between the formative ages of 10 to 25. Despite steady declines in fertility rates, households in Timor-Leste have an average of 5.3 members, with forty-one percent of the household population under age 15 (according to the 2016 Timor­Leste Demographic and Health Survey Key Findings). Overall, 18% of households are headed by women. Gender inequality remains a noticeable issue at both the community and government levels, due to entrenched gender norms. Common forms of discrimination women face include: lack of protections from sexual exploitation and abuse, unequal access to social assistance, discrimination in accessing basic services and aid provision, inequitable access to property restitution, and violence. Within this context, Timor-Leste, since independence was declared in 2002, has made significant strides to promote gender equality in its legal and policy frameworks, such as in its Constitution, in ratification of CE DAW and its Optional Protocol, in adoption of laws and policies on violence against women, economic empowerment of rural women, promoting women's participation and leadership, and gender-responsive planning and budgeting, a specific target on gender equality in the 2011-2030 Strategic Development Plan, and three National Action Plans: on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), on Gender and the Private Sector, and on Women, Peace and Security, among other areas. However, despite this progress, there remain significant barriers to gender equality that limit efforts to sustainably develop Timor-Leste's economy and the State.

Project Outcome

Related Materials

Project Details