Female police officers obtain driving licenses after attending UNDP training

Participation of women is a positive step towards improving gender balance and equality

February 1, 2018

Norberta Antonia Soares with her PNTL colleague Estefania Ximenes Soares

In September 2017 UNDP organized a gender driving training for National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) members based in Bacau, in cooperation with Bacau Municipality PNTL and with support of the PNTL training centre in Dili. (Lee versaun Tetum iha ne'e)

The participation of women in this training was a positive step towards improving gender balance and equality in PNTL, particularly at the municipality and administrative post levels.

Two female officers were able to obtain a driving license at the end of the training, including 36-year-old Norberta Antonia Soares who works as an Administrator for PNTL Bacau.

“I have worked with PNTL for 16 years,” explains Norberta.

“I decided to work with the police because I wanted to support my community and the country by providing security. Even though it can be challenging to juggle my home and work life, I am happy and enjoy my work.

“In 2017, I had the opportunity to participate in a gender driving training provided by UNDP as part of the capacity building support that it provides to PNTL. The training provided me with the opportunity to learn driving skills and after taking a driving test, obtain my license. Having a license means that I can now drive a PNTL vehicle and therefore better support the work of PNTL in my community.

“I have also received training from UNDP on topics such as gender-based violence, socialization of martial arts law, conflict prevention and administration. In the future, I would recommend that female PNTL staff have the opportunity to participate in firearms training.”

UNDP is supporting PNTL to build police capacity in specific managerial and administrative areas, complementing the assistance provided by international stakeholders following the withdrawal of the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT). During 2017, the PNTL project focused on areas such as strategic planning, information technology and fleet management to strengthen PNTL’s governance and service delivery. 

Norberta Antonia Soares is happy to have been able to obtain her license