Lilerita shines on the global stage at UN’s CSW69

At just 22 years old, Lilerita from Timor-Leste emerged as a powerful youth advocate at the 69th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) in March 2025. Representing Plan International Timor-Leste, she championed girls’ leadership and rights, inspiring audiences with her call to action.

With a radiant smile lighting up her face, Lilerita stands tall and proud, dressed in the vibrant traditional attire of Timor-Leste. Inside the grand halls of the United Nations Headquarters, she carries the spirit and culture of her homeland with grace and confidence, a living symbol of her country's pride on the world stage. — Lilerita stands with a radiant smile, proudly wearing Timor-Leste’s traditional attire inside the United Nations Headquarters. Image Credit: Joel Sheakoski

Breaking barriers and shaping futures

Lilerita from Timor-Leste has become a symbol of hope and inspiration for girls and young women globally. Her journey to the 69th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) in March 2025 reflects her mission to empower girls everywhere.

“Rise, sisters, for the world needs your light,” Lilerita declared. “With every step, we break barriers, shatter stereotypes, and build a future where girls lead with courage, strength, and grace.”

Through these words, she captured her belief that change is not a distant dream but a reality shaped by collective action. As part of Plan International Timor-Leste’s youth delegation, she has been a leading voice in advocating for girls’ leadership and rights on the global stage.

Moderating stories from the future

On March 10, 2025, Lilerita moderated the CSW69 side event “Stories from the Future: Charting a Path Towards the Future Girls Want” at the UN Headquarters in New York City. Organised by Plan International, this event highlighted creative storytelling as a tool for advocacy.

“For the world needs your light. With every step, we break barriers, shatter stereotypes, and build a future where girls lead with courage, strength, and grace.”
Lilerita

For months leading up to CSW69, Lilerita collaborated with other young women to craft powerful narratives envisioning a better world for girls. These stories addressed critical issues such as access to education, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), violence against women and girls, and leadership opportunities in crisis settings.

Through her role, Lilerita demonstrated how young voices, when amplified, can inspire policymakers to take urgent action. Her ability to connect deeply with decision-makers showcased the transformative power of storytelling.

Lilerita sitting at a desk at CSW69. — Lilerita, moderating at the Stories from the Future: Charting a Path Towards the Future Girls Want CSW69 event. Image Credit: Joel Sheakoski

Advocating for grassroots change

Lilerita’s activism extended beyond storytelling. On March 12, 2025, she participated in the side event “Who Run the World? Girls’ Activism Shaping the Future.”

Speaking passionately, she emphasised: “True change begins at the grassroots, where every action counts. It is through the strength of communities coming together that we pave the way for lasting transformation and a more just world for all.”

Her words resonated deeply with the audience, highlighting how empowering young women and ensuring their safe access to public spaces are essential to fostering impactful activism.

A collaborative effort

Lilerita’s had a strong support network on this journey, including representatives from the Timor-Leste Government, Timor-Leste’s Permanent Mission to the UN, and Plan International Timor-Leste. Together, they worked tirelessly to ensure that the voices of Timorese girls were heard on the global stage.