Dili, March 6, 2025 (Média Democracia) – FOKUPERS strongly condemns acts of sexual harassment and sexual violence that occur in public spaces, especially at school level.
FOKUPERS member Filomena Barros dos Reis said that Timor-Leste is a legal instrument to guarantee all citizens to live freely in society, especially in schools and universities.
“The State of Timor-Leste as a state that has legal instruments to guarantee all citizens, both women, men, and children to live freely and equally in the family, society, community, especially in schools and universities. The RDTL Constitution in articles 16 and 17, University and Equality states that everyone has the right in the eyes of the law and to live freely and equally without discrimination, torture and violence.” She said.
She said that they will continue to fight against acts of violence against women and girls who are victims of gender-based violence.
“We continue to fight and advocate against acts of violence against women and girls who are victims of gender-based violence and we have a vision of Timor-Leste women living peacefully in families, communities and countries where gender equality is respected and with a mission to stop violence from the individual, family to institutional levels through movements to strengthen women in all aspects and integrate services.” She added.
She also said that in 2025 the number of cases was 40 people and GBV survivors who continued in safe houses from 2024 to now numbered 56 people.
“In 2025, the number of cases registered in FOKUPERS was 40 cases and GBV survivors who are still living in safe houses from 2024 until now are 56 people, this shows that injustice still exists and is widespread, perpetrators of violence are still free, because they think that the violence they commit does not uphold justice or the law is not strict in punishing the perpetrators.” She said.
Violence against women and girls (students) at school level starting from cycle III to college, students continue to be the target of aggression against individuals, superiority and individual interests, widespread and showing bad examples of violent behavior such as sexual harassment and sexual violence. Schools and colleges should be a safe and calm place and a place to create and shape a new generation full of enthusiasm, not a place of violence.
Reported by: Nelia
Picture by: Official Facebook Page of FOKUPERS