Dili, November 06, 2026 [Média Democracia] – Minister of Education, Dulce de Jesus Soares, affirmed that the history of struggle, courage and sacrifice of Timorese women during the resistance period must continue to be transmitted to new generations through the education system, so that children and young people understand and value women’s contribution to the liberation and independence struggle of Timor-Leste.
The minister made the statement in her speech during the celebration of Timorese Women’s Day, organized by the Archives and Museum of the Timorese Resistance (AMRT), through a documentary projection entitled “Motherland”
Dulce de Jesus Soares said the history of Timor-Leste is a history of resistance, sacrifice and hope, which women also contributed with courage and determination during the struggle for independence.
She also mentioned female resistance figures, such as Rosa Muki Bonaparte, whose courage and determination became an important symbol of women’s participation in the struggle for freedom.
“The screening of the documentary ‘Mátria’ represents an opportunity to give voice to these women and to remind them that Timor-Leste’s independence is a collective achievement, in which women play a fundamental role,” the minister said in her speech, Wednesday (06/11).
The Minister of Education considers that such initiatives are very important to extend to schools, through the CAFE Project and other educational institutions, to help students understand the history of struggle and sacrifice that the previous generation faced.
He explained that children today live in a free country, but some do not understand the suffering of occupation, persecution and sacrifice that parents and grandparents faced in the past.
Therefore, he stressed that the education system has a responsibility to teach the new generation to understand that the freedom they enjoy today is the result of the dreams, struggles and sacrifices that many generations have made.
She also affirmed that the story of women resistance can be an inspiration to girls and young women to believe in their capacity and not limit their dreams just because they are women.
“No girl should be allowed to think that her dreams are too big. No young woman should believe that her place in society is limited because she is a woman,” she stated.
He added that Timorese women who contributed to the struggle and liberation of the country, until today continue to play a fundamental role in the process of building the future of the country, in various areas of society.
At this time, Minister of Education Dulce de Jesus Soares congratulated the Archives and Museum of the Timorese Resistance and all partners involved in this initiative, for contributing to the preservation of collective memory and the transmission of values that are the foundation of Timor-Leste’s independence.
Finally, she appealed to society to never forget the contribution of women in the history of the country, because honoring women is also honoring the roots, identity and future of the country.
Reporting: Octaviana da Costa
Photo: ME