Timor-Leste, one of Southeast Asia’s youngest nations, continues to grapple with a range of social and economic challenges, one of which is the gender wage gap. Despite progress in political representation and laws promoting equality, women in Timor-Leste frequently earn less than men, limiting their economic independence and the nation’s growth potential. Addressing the gender wage gap in Timor-Leste is vital for building a more resilient and inclusive economy.

Employment Disparities and Economic Impact

According to the Labour Force Survey 2021, women in Timor-Leste are significantly less likely to participate in the labor market than men. The labor force participation rate stood at 36.9% for men and only 24.2% for women. Of the total employed population of 234,300, only 92,300 were women compared to 142,000 men. Unemployment among women was also higher at 5.9% compared to 4.6% for men, highlighting the structural disadvantages women face in accessing stable and well-paid jobs.

The survey further found that women are more likely to be self-employed or contributing family workers and less likely to hold formal wage employment. This imbalance not only constrains women’s personal financial independence but also reduces household income and the nation’s overall productivity.

Key Factors Behind the Gender Wage Gap in Timor-Leste

1. Educational Gaps: Reports finds that educational disadvantage is higher in poorer regions with illiteracy and school non-attendance more prevalent among women. On average, the number of unschooled or illiterate females per household, according to the Timor-Leste Survey of Living Standards (TLSLS), is almost 30% higher than that of males. This educational divide, coupled with limited access to upskilling training, restricts women’s ability to enter the labor force, thereby reinforcing income inequality and limiting long-term economic mobility.
2. Traditional Gender Roles: A major factor behind women’s low participation in Timor-Leste’s labor force is the persistence of traditional gender roles that assign domestic duties primarily to women. Of the women outside the labor force, more than half (50%) are engaged in family responsibilities or housework, compared with only 32% of men. These figures reflect deep-rooted social expectations that women should prioritize unpaid household labor over paid employment. As a result, many women face interruptions in their careers or are unable to enter the workforce at all, which contributes directly to the gender wage gap.
3. Social Norms: Social norms in Timor-Leste also influences who holds authority within families and communities. People widely regard men as the primary decision-makers and breadwinners, while women’s roles often involve supporting and managing the household. Many families see wives as better at budgeting and saving, and therefore take charge of daily expenses and household finances. However, this division reinforces a deeper imbalance where men “work” and earn, while women “save” and manage, keeping women’s economic roles confined to the private sphere. Such cultural attitudes discourages women’s participation in public life and entrepreneurship, and ultimately reinforce gender disparities in income, leadership and opportunities.

Efforts To Close the Gap

Timor-Leste has demonstrated a strong national commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s leadership through the launch of its second-generation National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (NAP 1325) for 2024–2028. This five-year plan, with technical assistance from UN Women, attempts to incorporate gender equality at every level of government, from community decision-making and security sector reform to peacebuilding and humanitarian relief. The new plan, which builds on the achievements of the first NAP, has a strong emphasis on women’s leadership and meaningful engagement, particularly in fields where representation is still low. With women already occupying 36.9% of parliamentary seats and the appointment of the nation’s first female military commander, the plan represents a persistent attempt to reduce gender disparities in leadership as well as in the larger social and economic spheres.

Future Opportunities

Timor-Leste has certainly made progress in addressing gender inequality over the years, but continued efforts are essential to closing the gender wage gap in Timor-Leste and promote greater economic equity.

Despite existing laws to guarantee equal compensation for equal labor, enforcement remains inconsistent. Timor-Leste should focus on strengthening enforcement of laws pertaining to fair pay, maternity leave and employment discrimination. Ensuring that women can truly benefit from protections they are entitled to is crucial in reducing the wage gap and improving women’s financial independence.

Furthermore, to overcome the education divide, more targeted efforts are necessary to enhance women’s access to education, especially in traditionally male-dominated disciplines like STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). Scholarships, incentives and awareness campaigns should also be fully accessible for both men and women in order to advance gender equality. By empowering women through education, Timor-Leste can therefore build a more inclusive workforce.

Looking Ahead

Though challenges remain, Timor-Leste has made significant strides towards gender equality. Ultimately, closing the gender wage gap in Timor-Leste benefits not just individuals but the entire nation, and Timor-Leste can then unlock its full economic potential, reducing poverty and fostering a more resilient and equitable society for all.

– Chris Tang

Chris is based in Beijing, China and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons