Women in Timor-Leste were pivotal in the war for independence from Indonesia, with many actively involved in “FALINTIL” armed resistance groups from as early as 1974. Despite this, there is a distinct lack of recognition for women’s contributions in political, economic and social spheres in the country, alongside a hierarchical culture of abuse. However, the work of organizations such as the United Nations (U.N.) Women and the International Women’s Development Agency (IWDA) has allowed Timorese women to gain agency. Still, much more progress must come to see a safe and prosperous environment for women’s rights in Timor-Leste to blossom.

The History of Timor-Leste

Under Indonesian Occupation, Timorese people were brutally repressed through “military forces detaining, torturing, executing and forcibly disappearing tens of thousands of people.” Amnesty International estimates that 200,000 out of the then 600,000 population were killed between 1975 and 1999. Human rights groups documented systemic violence throughout the ’80s and ’90s.

The conflicts left 70% of the infrastructure decimated by the time of their independence in 2002 and much of the rural infrastructure that provides people with adequate food, water, health care provisions and more remains unusable. Women had a crucial role during the war for independence, making up 60% of the Clandestinos, a secret support network that smuggled supplies and information to the rebels.

What Problems Are Women Facing?

1. Deep poverty: Despite a low unemployment rate of 1.5% (2022 estimate), 29.7% of the employed population lives below $2.15 a day and more than 40% of the entire population lives below the national poverty line. This disproportionately affects women, as due to the patriarchal nature of the rural areas, there is widespread inequality and discrimination toward women, resulting in only 20% of Timorese women being a part of the paid workforce.
2. Domestic violence: In Timor-Leste, sexual and gender-based violence and domestic violence are rife, with the IWDA finding that 59% of women have experienced intimate partner violence. This epidemic of violence is the legacy that the Indonesian occupation left, as tales of sexual violence toward women by Indonesian soldiers are frequent. This continued into modern life, as 40-60% of Timorese women have experienced “some type of violence.”
3. Lack of recognition of women in social, economic and political spheres: The conflicts in Timor-Leste before its independence left nearly half of Timorese women as the sole providers for their families, as they had become widowed. However, there remains a significant gap in the number of women who get paid for their labor compared to men, with 80% of women working without pay. Politically, women only lead 5% of the country’s village councils despite making up almost half of the country’s population.

Progress for Women in Timor-Leste

In the last two decades, massive progress has been made despite the legacy of violence and injustice toward women. In 2012, in response to the gender disparities prevalent in society, the new government mandated that parties’ lists include at least 33% of women in the new constitution. This demonstrates a growing commitment to women’s rights in Timor-Leste, resulting in a remarkable surge in female representation in politics, with women now occupying 38% of the seats in the National Parliament, the highest proportion in the Asia Pacific region. The Gender and Constitution Working Group, established by U.N. Women, has played a pivotal role in advancing women’s rights by advocating for their inclusion in the new constitution.

The 2010 Law Against Domestic Violence represents a significant step in acknowledging and addressing the issue of domestic violence against women in Timor-Leste. By recognizing domestic violence as a criminal offense, the law grants essential rights to women. Although the full implementation of this law is still underway nationwide, efforts are being made to raise awareness and educate the public. Organizations like the Covalima Community Centre (CCC) are actively involved in these efforts, contributing to progress in informing and empowering communities regarding domestic violence.

This group is dedicated to empowering women in the Covalima district of Timor-Leste by providing education on leadership and enhancing their skills, enabling them to make meaningful contributions to the social, political and economic spheres. Established by IWDA, this organization has played a pivotal role in its work. By 2016, its efforts had a tangible impact, with the number of Village Chiefs elected to Suco or village-level government, nearly doubling. This increase can be attributed, at least in part, to the diligent work of the CCC in providing leadership training to candidates.

The Future of Women’s Rights in Timor Leste

Timorese women have advocated for their own future, through innovative grassroots organizations like East Timor Women Australia (ETWA), which supports women in the handicrafts industry. Additionally, nongovernmental organizations such as U.N. Women have played a crucial role in successfully enshrining women’s rights in the new constitution. While strides have been made, the journey toward achieving equal rights for women in Timor-Leste remains incomplete.

A pervasive culture of domestic violence persists as a significant challenge, demanding ongoing attention and action. Nevertheless, there are signs of progress as the government of Timor-Leste has taken steps to address this issue. The approval of a National Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence in 2017, with another awaiting governmental approval, demonstrates a commitment to combatting gender-based violence. While progress may be slow, it is clear that the hard work and self-advocacy of the Timorese women is working.

– Elizabeth Keith

Elizabeth is based in Lancaster, UK and focuses on World News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr