In this paper I focus on the gender dimensions of change within Timorese civil society. The paper draws
on field research undertaken for my doctoral thesis in which I focus on the younger generation of
Indonesian-educated Timorese, many of whom work within the country‘s growing civil society
movement. In this paper I seek to highlight how gender issues are dealt with in development-focussed
non-governmental organisations (NGOs). I analyse gender inequalities using the concept of visible,
invisible and hidden power of traditional and non-traditional leaders (VeneKlasen & Miller 2002) and the
space within civil society being negotiated and claimed by young Timorese women. In this context, I
argue that while civil society in many ways promotes progressive development strategies and
international human rights principles, there remains a gap between policy and practice in civil society
attitudes to gender equality.