Representatives of Timor-Leste's largest women's network attending a major international conference recently on women's issues were congratulated on their country's efforts to bring gender issues into the mainstream of political and civic life.

At the annual meeting of United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in New York City in March, Timor-Leste received recognition as the country most successfully implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) on Women, Peace, and Security. Singled out for praise was Timor-Leste's establishment of the Office for the Promotion of Equality within the Office of the Prime Minister to focus on gender issues.

Two Timorese representatives attended the conference: Olandina Caeiro from ETWAVE (Timor-Leste Women Against Violence) and Ivete de Oliviera from REDE Feto, the network of Timor-Leste's women's organizations. At the CSW meeting they had many opportunities to describe their experiences and learn from other women from around the world. Many of the discussions focused on how to overcome the challenges facing post-conflict societies and on ways to involve women in the country's development. CSW meets every year to bring together women from civil society, governments, and UN agencies to discuss priority issues that affect the lives of women everywhere.

On their return to Timor-Leste, the delegates reported on their trip to REDE Feto's four regional congresses. The women will also make further presentations to REDE Fete's national congress at the end of June and to their own organizations and community groups around the country.

With a USAID grant of $8,000, Caero and de Oliviera represented REDE Feto and their country at the CWS meeting. Women's rights and gender violence remain significant challenges in Timor-Leste, and REDE Feto plays an important role in providing information and support through its campaigns and its member groups' activities.

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