Anyone looking for a model for the promotion of gender equality should look to Timor Leste.In this 10-year-old democracy, gender equality is not only written into the Constitution, but is also practiced in reality, even though most women still have much to learn about political ropes. No matter: NGOs and the UN are eager and willing to help.The country’s electoral law, passed in December 2006, requires that, out of every four candidates that a political party fields, at least one has to be a woman.

Vice President of National Parliament and President of the GMPTL Maria Paixão joined dignitaries including President of the Republic Jose Ramos Horta and President of Parliament Fernando Lasama in celebrating the National Electoral Commission (CNE) third anniversary.Deputada Paixão addressed the gathering at Delta Nova on January 15th on the topic of securing women’s participation in the future municipal elections. Although female participation in the 2009 suco elections increased from 2004, overall participation was still low.

Earlier this month, Timor-Leste approved its first domestic violence law, eight years after it was initially drafted. The legislature voted overwhelmingly in favor of the law, with 30 votes in favor and three abstentions. Domestic violence is widespread in TImor-Leste, but is severely underreported. Most cases of domestic violence are resolved through traditional practices like the perpetrator paying a fine to the victim's father.

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