The new contribution will specifically support the part of the project which aims to: “Enhance gender mainstreaming and gender-sensitive analysis in the legislative processes”.
“Norway is pleased to support Timor-Leste, through UNDP, with this new project component focusing on gender, in addition to the ongoing project. The project will encourage women’s political engagement,” says Ms. Marianne Damhaug, Minister Counsellor of the Embassy of Norway in Jakarta.
The new funding will be for two years and is in addition to the current Cost-Sharing Agreement (CSA) between the Government of Norway and UNDP. The new agreement was signed on 30 March 2011 by Mr. Eivind Homme, Ambassador of the Norwegian Embassy in Jakarta, and Ms. Mikiko Tanaka, UNDP Country Director.
“We welcome this timely contribution that strengthens the existing collaboration between UNDP and Norway with the National Parliament of Timor-Leste, to enhance research and analysis on gender equality and women’s empowerment at the Gender Resource Centre in support of the work of MPs and Parliamentary Committees,” says Ms. Mikiko Tanaka, UNDP Country Director.
The signature of this addendum to the CSA will enable the UNDP project to strengthen its support to Timor-Leste’s Parliament in the area of gender mainstreaming in legislative affairs. Moreover, with this assistance from Norway, UNDP will be able to maintain the current level of support to the National Parliament, with key national and international personnel providing mentoring and on-the-job training functions.
The President of Timor-Leste’s National Parliament, Fernando La Sama, also welcomed the new assistance.
“Women are succeeding as politicians, gaining voice through leadership. Our Parliament, with 21 women MPs is an example of this. We are really grateful to Norway for its important contribution that will enable the strengthening of gender mainstreaming, and support a Gender Responsive Parliament.”