WOMEN, PEACE AND SECURITY:
TIMOR-LESTE

UNIFEM WOMEN, WAR AND PEACE WEB PORTAL: TIMOR-LESTE

"Women must know, defend and fight actively for their political rights and use these rights to influence both national and local governance, especially in terms of setting policies around education, health, and economic self-sufficiency. This requires that women in rural areas are informed about national issues and that local government is transparent. In rural areas, information is particularly difficult to access because of limited media sources, illiteracy, and a lack of civil society organizations with experience working non-clandestinely. For such reasons, government and civil society must work to increase and guarantee womenís participation in the local political process. In this way, the political process will be democratic and respect everyone's right to self-determination."

Mana Micato, also known as Maria Domingas Alves Soares, Founding member of Fukupers, 2001

"In East Timor, experience has shown that an oppressive colonial mentality has led to women being considered by men as someone who is weak. Women have suffered a double consequence in this armed conflict. Since the invasion by Indonesia, the women of East Timor have always been conscious and determined as women and as mothers of Timorese citizens. During the long conflict, which has transcended strategic processes, women have suffered innumerable sacrifices[...] We believe that at least 45% of Timorese women are widowed as a result of having husbands killed or disappeared during the armed struggle. Often men and youth in a whole village was killed as in Kraras in Viqueque in the East which is now known as the village of widows. Widows must now support their children, once again fulfilling the double function, the one of father and mother. […]The civil service being developed by the UN employs less than 20% women despite of a policy adopted by UNTAET of a 30% affirmative action policy for women. Nonetheless women comprise more than 50% of the total population in East Timor right now. Until we reach equal participation on the political, economic and social front, our fight is not finished. "

Rede: Feto Timor Lorosae a network of East Timorese women and women's organization, 24 October 2000