UNITED NATIONS TRANSITIONAL ADMINISTRATION IN EAST TIMOR

Dili, 14 June 2000

WOMEN’S FIRST NATIONAL CONGRESS

More than 500 women from across East Timor gathered in Dili today, 14 June, for the first national congress on women’s issues. The main objective of the Congress is to unify East Timorese women to promote equitable development in national reconstruction. The delegates discussed issues ranging from economy and health to human rights and reconciliation.

“The road to a free East Timor has been one of arduous struggle and sacrifice, destruction and impoverishment. And women have been at the forefront of this struggle: as freedom fighters, advocates, mothers, wives, daughters and sisters,” Mr. Jean-Christian Cady, Deputy SRSG said, speaking on behalf of SRSG Sergio Vieira de Mello, who is overseas.

“Those who are marginalised, such as returnees, either as refugees or internally displaced ­ the majority of whom are women and children ­ have to be heard in the process of reconciliation,” Mr. Cady added.

The Congress closes on Saturday, 17 June.

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