#NiceToMeetEU: Adriana Garcia, Timor-Leste
#NiceToMeetEU: Adriana Garcia, Timor-Leste
#NiceToMeetEU: Adriana Garcia, Timor-Leste
Name: Adriana Garcia
Country: Timor-Leste
Function & responsibilities: Democratic and Inclusive Elections in Timor-Leste Project Manager
Responsibility: Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of projects aimed at improving electoral processes and systems. My role involves managing project activities, engaging with stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with electoral standards. Moreover, aadvocate for the rights of people with disability, women, and young people particularly young women through community engagement, policy advocacy, and collaboration with local and international organizations at the national levels to influence decision-makers
Organization: Founded in 1937, Plan International is a development and humanitarian organisation that works together with children, young people, supporters and partners to strive for a just world, where we are all equal. Plan International has been working in Timor-Leste since 2001, shortly before the country regained independence.
About me: Aa a dedicated professional currently managing the Democratic and Inclusive Elections Project at Plan International Timor-Leste. I work closely with Civil Society Organizations to empower marginalized groups in democratic processes. With background in law, I have been instrumental advocating for children's rights, disability inclusion, and women's rights in Timor-Leste. Moreover, as a youth community coordinator, I collaborate with local leaders and human rights activists to provide capacity-building training for young people, focusing on eradicating violence and addressing teenage pregnancy in my community. I’m a co-founder of Youth , I take part in promoting human rights, access to formal justice, gender equality, and inclusion.
My best memory of the EUVP programme: the interactive meetings with European political groups, particularly the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE), European People's Party (EPP), and Party of European Socialists (PES). These discussions provided valuable insights into strategies for promoting women's representation. The opportunity to share experiences with fellow participants and learn about diverse approaches to similar challenges inspired me greatly and will enhance my work in promoting democratic and inclusive elections in Timor-Leste.
I would welcome connection requests from the Alumni: please feel free to connect with me
I would be happy to discuss the topics of: Human Rights; Gender Equality and Inclusion, Children’s Rights and Youth Empowerment.
The challenges that I/my organisation face(s) and would like the support of other Alumni are:
- Implementing effective strategies for increasing women's political participation;
- Developing inclusive electoral processes for people with disabilities;
- Engaging youth in democratic processes and decision-making;
- Addressing cultural barriers to gender equality and inclusion.
Contact me in English please
My hopes for the EU relations with my country are:
- Continued support for democratic institutions and processes in Timor-Leste;
- Enhanced cooperation on human rights, particularly women's and children's rights;
- Increased knowledge exchange and capacity building opportunities;
- Strengthened partnerships for sustainable development and economic growth.
