Dili, July 29, 2026 (Media Democracia) – The Communication Forum for Timor-Leste Women (FOKUPER) in cooperation with the Secretary of State for Equality (SEI) held a National Round Table Discussion with the theme “Reflecting on Progress, Strengthening Gender Commitments through Gender-Sensitive Budget Allocation in the 2027 General State Budget to Implement Policies for Sustainable Impact” at Delta Nova Hall on Monday this week.
According to the Executive Director of the Communication Forum for Timor-Leste Women (FOKUPERS), Domingas Anfonso Amaral, the round table discussion took place because of the strong partial work together with SEI, which is recognized as the state machinery to accelerate gender equality, prevention, and response. They are moving forward together with civil society organizations to take on a strategic role in supporting the National Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence.
“Today we see that in this gathering the key people who marked their presence included MSSI as the main implementer, especially for the service pillar, and the President of Commission F, who often makes decisions in Parliament, especially regarding budget allocations related to the theme. So that we can strengthen gender-sensitive budget allocations in the 2027 General State Budget, that’s the main objective, to create space. We see that progress, challenges, and barriers remain gaps. This moment is also critical to bring back the commitments that already exist, especially as the government and decision-makers here can strengthen and reinforce the commitments that have already been promulgated.” said Domingas Anfonso Amaral, Executive Director of FOKUPERS, at Delta Nova Hall, Monday 27/07/2026.
She added that this year the budget allocated for 2027 to safe houses has been reduced by almost 30%, which was mainly proposed for their needs.
“Looking at the challenges we face this year, the budget has clearly been reduced by almost 30% that is allocated to safe houses. So we analyzed the budget proposals and looked at the real needs that exist. Today we proposed to the government through MSSI that a minimum of 1.5 to 2 million be allocated each year. We believe that with a budget of 1.5 to 2 million per year, we can truly provide integrated and holistic assistance services and food in the safe houses.” the Director added.
Meanwhile, the Director General of Social Protection (MSSI), Floréncio P. D. Gonzaga, expressed appreciation to the organizing committee, especially for the FOKUPERS round table, because it brought together MSSI and relevant parties to share some information, especially on the functioning of safe houses and the need to improve other resources.
“I thank the organizing committee, especially for the FOKUPERS round table, for inviting us and the relevant parties so we could share information. From MSSI’s side we note that there is good information because they were able to note the process and what we have achieved, but it also reflects some obstacles we have, especially related to how to strengthen the functioning of safe houses to better facilitate victims of gender-based violence. But we also said that some situations could run better, however we face some difficulties, especially linked to the priorities we have. So we say that support for victims through safe houses is a top priority, but the resources to reinforce it are limited. We also have to organize this according to the capacity we have.” said Director General of Social Protection MSSI Floréncio P. D. Gonzaga.
He added that MSSI will continue to provide support even with a small budget, and they are also making some cooperation agreements with other parties to help here and there, looking at priorities for safe houses. Even if it’s not big, they continue to strengthen so they can take care of safe houses through other means.
“We continue to support the 38 social solidarity situations that focus on safe houses. This year we continue to support them even with a budget that is not big, but we continue to strengthen so they can take care of the safe houses. For other alternative support, we continue to look for ways. The support we give six of them we cooperate to look at other support such as humanitarian aid or to strengthen the functioning of safe houses. On the other side we also work together with some partners with whom we have cooperation agreements that provide support to some safe houses, not all of them, one or two that receive help in other areas.” he added.
MSSI remains committed to services through its programs and considers that these communities are living and falling into situations of vulnerability and must continue to be supported. They also managed to provide some immediate assistance to friends in vulnerable situations.
Report By: Trainees Lourenço and Santina
Photo: Trainee Santina