Timor-Leste marks 50th National Women’s Day in Bobonaru

Timor-Leste’s government held a ceremony in Bobonaru on 3 November 2026 to mark the 50th National Women’s Day, recognising women’s roles in the resistance, state-building and national development.

Verónica das Dores, Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion and acting Secretary of State for Equality and Inclusion, said women had endured violence, including sexual violence, during the occupation while continuing to support the struggle for freedom. She urged younger women to learn from resistance figures including Maria Tapó and contribute through education, innovation and leadership.

The minister cited figures showing women’s participation in public life: women accounted for 38 per cent of National Parliament members in 2023 and held 19 per cent of government posts in 2025. Women occupied 22.4 per cent of middle and senior management positions in 2022, she said.

Das Dores called on state institutions and development partners to turn equality policies into practical improvements for women and families. She also urged institutions to incorporate gender considerations into planning, budgeting, implementation and monitoring, and asked local leaders to strengthen women’s involvement in decisions and protection for victims of violence.

Maria Barreto Gorumali, chair of the National Parliament’s Commission F, called for joint action by government bodies, women’s organisations and communities to end violence and discrimination. She said parliament had added 3 November to the national holiday calendar through Law Number 10/2023 of 5 April.

The commemorations included a thanksgiving Mass and a tribute at Maria Tapó’s cemetery. Gorumali said holding the anniversary in Bobonaru, where Tapó was born, provided an opportunity to recognise women’s place in national history.