Dili, November 5, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Judicial System Monitoring Programme (JSMP) of Timor-Leste has issued a press release congratulating all women on the celebration of National Women’s Day, underlining that “collaboration from all sectors is needed to ensure women live with dignity and free from violence.” The statement was accessed by Média Democracia this Wednesday through JSMP’s official page.
The Executive Director of JSMP, Ana Paula Marçal, stated that every year on 3 November, Timor-Leste celebrates National Women’s Day, a day of great importance for all women in the country as it officially recognizes their role in national history and development.
“This commitment shows that the State of Timor-Leste recognizes the importance of women’s contribution, role, and participation in the context of national development. This year’s theme is ‘Timorese Women Celebrate Their Right to Equality and Opportunity’,” said JSMP Executive Director Ana Paula Marçal.
She added that the commemoration is also a reminder to all that women’s rights to equality and opportunity are essential to the nation’s progress. However, in reality, many women and girls still live under conditions of inequality, despite some positive changes that have created opportunities for women to lead, organize, and participate in decision-making.
“JSMP congratulates all women on this special day and wishes to remind the public that ensuring equality and opportunity for women and girls in order to free from discrimination and all forms of violence which requires collaboration from everyone. Only through joint effort can we eliminate discrimination and create conditions for women and girls to live dignified lives, free from violence, whether at home, in the community, in schools, or in workplaces,” the Executive Director said.
She further noted that although laws and policies exist to guarantee women’s rights, many women and girls continue to experience discrimination and various forms of violence.
“Based on JSMP’s monitoring results from the District Courts of Dili, Suai, Baucau, and Oe-Cusse between October 2024 and September 2025, out of a total of 646 cases monitored, 482 were Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases, while 164 were of other types. This clearly shows that women and girls continue to live in situations of violence. JSMP also found that the majority of cases registered and tried in courts remain dominated by GBV-related crimes,” she emphasized.
Despite significant efforts made by the Government, civil society organizations, and international agencies to combat violence against women and girls in Timor-Leste, such violence remains widespread, and in some cases, it has even resulted in the loss of women’s and girls’ lives.
JSMP reaffirmed its continued call to relevant authorities, justice institutions, and society as a whole to review their strategies and strengthen ongoing efforts made over the past decade to ensure that interventions are focused on preventing gender-based violence and addressing the real needs of women in Timor-Leste.
Reporter: Nelfiano
Photo: JSMP Media