Timor-Leste’s First Lady, Isabel da Costa Fereira, said 60% of Timorese women are now involved in the agricultural sector, helping to provide for their families, particularly in rural areas.
She made the comments during a speech at the Unleashing Women’s Economic Potential: Women in Agribusiness Timor-Leste conference at Hotel Timor, Dili.
The figure is based on the 2014 population Census.
Ferreira said women’s contribution to the sector is increasing and helping to develop the national economy.
Meanwhile, US Ambassador Karen Stanton said they are proud of the Timor-Leste government and the initiatives of female entrepreneurs in the country to develop the sector and local economy.
She said Timor-Leste needed to use its resources to promote economic growth and improve the lives of its people.
“Together we can find opportunities and get through the obstacles,” she said.
She also called for Timorese men to recognize the important role women play, saying their contribution should not be underestimated.
Female entrepreneur Isabella Galhos also said the duties women perform, especially in rural areas, should be valued higher.
“Women’s role in agriculture is strong because they know how to plant a tree, sell food and prepare food, which almost everyone forgot about,” she said.
She added that women also face many problems in trying to improve their agricultural business.
