JICA’s Training Program for Mainstreaming Gender Equality
2025.03.08
Voice from female ex-trainee
JICA offers training programs for Timorese officials, etc. in many sectors and aims to mainstream gender equality under the JICA Global Agenda (JGA) "Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment," which focuses on promoting women's empowerment and leadership.
Provision of training opportunities for underrepresented female staff is critical for fostering their professional growth. These training programs not only equip women with technical and leadership skills but also expand their professional networks and boost their confidence to take on decision-making roles. JICA has been conducting capacity-building programs in various sectors, from ICT to education, ensuring they have access to skills and networks that can elevate their careers.
To illustrate the impact of these programs, we have interviewed female professionals from diverse fields who traveled to Japan for a JICA training program and would like to share their inspiring journeys. We hope their voices will encourage more women to seize similar opportunities, leading to greater equality in decision-making and career advancement.
"This training gave me hands-on ICT experience and leadership skills"
Ms. Dircia Maria Jesus da Silva Almeida (Training Participant in 2025)
Network Planning and Data Center Assistant at Technology of Information and Communication (TIC) TIMOR I.P.
"I applied for this program because I wanted to enhance my ICT project planning skills and grow professionally. The training covered not only technical aspects but also leadership and strategic thinking."
Dircia participated in the “Capacity Building for ICT Project Planning” course in 2025 for a month, which was a significant milestone in her career.
"Before the training, I had concerns about the relevance of the content and balancing my time. However, I prepared in advance, engaged with trainers and peers, and kept an open mind."
After the training, she successfully applied her knowledge and strengthened her leadership and management skills. She now encourages more women to enter the ICT field.
"Women should take this opportunity because ICT needs more female professionals. The training builds confidence, networks, and opens doors for career advancement."
"I overcame challenges and gained global exposure in education"
Ms. Zelia Alves da Cruz (Training Participant in 2023)
Principal Director, and Natural Science Teacher, Central Basic Education Dom Baumeta
"As a science teacher, I wanted to improve my teaching skills and learn from international education systems. Despite my limited English and lack of experience traveling abroad, I took the challenge."
Zelia participated in the “Quality Improvement of Primary Science Education
-‘Teaching and Learning’ at On-Site Education-“ in 2023 for one and a half months.
"The training experience was life-changing. I interacted with professors, students, and education experts from various countries. I learned innovative teaching methods, laboratory practices, and student-centered education."
Since returning, she has transformed her classroom into an engaging learning environment and even won an award with her students for natural science practice class in an event to commemorate World Science Day in 2024.
"My message to women is to pursue your dreams without fear. Don't be afraid of challenges or failures and keep striving for what benefits your career. With a strong desire, language barriers can be overcome, and with good intentions, you can handle difficulties even when walking alone.”
According to recent statistics from the Timor-Leste Civil Service Commission (2024), approximately 35% of civil servants in Timor-Leste are women. Proportion of seats held by women in national parliaments is 37%, which is a relatively good gender equality indicator compared to the ASEAN countries according to the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (2024). However, only 24% of leadership and management positions in government agencies are held by women, highlighting the need for targeted efforts to bridge the gender gap.
The stories shared by Dircia and Zelia highlight the transformative power of these programs, from enhancing technical expertise to building confidence and leadership skills. Participants can get opportunity to discuss with other foreign female colleagues in similar position through the program. This is one of the advantages compared to in-country training, which has difficulty to find these external professionals within Timor-Leste.
Moving forward, JICA aims to further expand these opportunities, ensuring that more women can participate in high-impact training and take on key roles in shaping the future of their communities and professions.
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