Decree-Law No. 16/2008 approving the State Secretariat for the Promotion of Gender Equality.

This Decree-Law, consisting of 5 Chapters, approves the State Secretariat for the Promotion of Gender Equality (SEPI). It establishes composition, competences and duties of the above mentioned Governmental institution entitled to: design, implement, coordinate and assess policies in areas related to the promotion and defense of gender equality. SEPI aims at: promoting the support and designing global and sectoral policies strengthening the valorization of the role of women of Timor-Leste in the society; elaborating normative proposals, giving advice and participating in cross-cutting issues in all areas related to promotion of gender equality, establishing mechanisms for revision of laws, policies, budget and governmental programmes; coordinating with different ministries, activities linked with the promotion of equality in order to guarantee an integrated gender approach in all sectors of sustainable development and social rights; promoting good practices related to gender equality, equal participation in socio-economic, politic and familiar sectors in partnership with competent entities to fight any existing discrimination and violence against women; guaranteeing the participation of women in the institutional life and other actions to combat any form of discrimination.