12 February  2015 - In partnership with the United Nations (UN) WOMEN Country Office for Timor-Leste, the Embassy organized a gender and development (GAD) training for its officers and staff on February 06.

The objective of the training was to help build the capacity of Embassy personnel in carrying out their GAD mandate as outlined in Republic Act No. 9710 or the Magna Carta of Filipino Women. The prevailing GAD context, which includes legislation, institutions, and mechanisms of Timor-Leste, was also discussed during the training.

Two experts from UN WOMEN, namely, Gender Mainstreaming Specialist Camille Waters and Research Officer Lauren Gecuk served as resource persons.

The interactive training featured practical exercises that forced Embassy personnel to rethink their preconceived notions and beliefs on gender, gender equality and gender-based violence. Inputs were also given by the trainers to help the Embassy develop a referral system for Filipino female clients who are victims of gender-based violence.

Speaking on behalf of the Embassy, Chargé d’ Affaires Maurice A. Tiempo conveyed his appreciation to Ms. Waters and Ms. Gecuk for sharing their time and expertise. He also expressed his fervent wish that the training would pave the way for more collaborative undertakings between the Embassy and UN WOMEN.

The training is in line with the Embassy’s continuing efforts to build linkages and partnerships with other non-state actors, such as UN WOMEN, to enable it to effectively fulfill both its GAD and consular mandate. END