Dili, March 8, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Grupo das Mulheres Parlamentares de Timor-Leste (GMPTL) commemorates International Women’s Day 2025 with the theme, “Women and Girls Have Rights, Equality and Empowerment.”
In the intervention, the President of GMPTL, Aliança da Conceição Araújo, said that it was an honor for GMPTL to commemorate this important day for women and girls, and she also paid tribute to the women who sacrificed themselves for the struggle for independence.
“Want to use this opportunity to pay tribute to the women who have sacrificed themselves to fight for freedom against torture, violence, bombing, and starvation of the enemy, also not forgetting to pay tribute to the international women who died in countries that are in conflict such as Ukraine, Myanmar, and Palestine.” Said the President of GMPTL in Delta Nova, on Friday
On this occasion, the National Parliament through GMPTL would like to reaffirm its commitment to advocate to promote and protect the rights of women and girls through legislation to strengthen and offer Timor-Leste an equal, just and safe life.
“GMPTL will also continue to assist and carry out physicalization of the implementation of constitutional government programs and policies, especially in the scope of social protection for women, girls, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups,” She said.
All citizens know and understand that the realities of life faced by Timor-Leste, such as discrimination and violence against women and girls, people with disabilities, and vulnerable groups, will continue to occur, even though Timor-Leste has approved relevant legislation and has ratified international legal instruments.
In addition, the President expressed her gratitude to all media outlets that have always voiced women’s voices, and invited all parties to think and act in order to fight for and protect women’s participation, and to dare to take responsibility in all fields.
As a representative of UN Women in Timor-Leste, Nishtha Satyam said that as a woman, when you want to achieve something, you have to go through a difficult path, when you want to gain political power, and it is not easy to be a female veteran, because many suffer in difficult situations or conflicts.
“If you are a woman, we all know that story because it doesn’t come from science. It comes from a lived experiences. As people we all have a mother or a sister, or a friend or a wife who we know has played a very, very crucial role in the fact that we stand here today, In this country.” She said
She continued, There are so many women who have laid down their lives and have contributed in so many ways to make sure that we are a free independent and a very Democratic country.
She said that it was a great honor to be able to participate in this International Women’s Day commemoration event, she was also proud, because as the first female National Parliament which as a historic field, for years we have been talking about women but there has never been a female leader, therefore she said she was very happy to be able to serve the country.
On this occasion, His Excellency the Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, expressed congratulations and warm hugs to all women in the world, especially Timor-Leste women and those in the diaspora.
“This celebration is very important for all of us to reflect on the role of women, in their mission and responsibility to contribute to sustainable development, especially in important sectors such as health, education, justice, politics, economy, leadership and others,” said the Prime Minister.
When looking at the theme of the celebration, “Women and girls have rights, equality and empowerment”, it reminds us of the inclusion of women and girls’ rights to obtain equality and empowerment that are commensurate with the reality of their daily lives.
“This theme reminds us to work together to eliminate inequality and discrimination with various forms of violence that will still occur, so that more women and girls can improve their living conditions, opportunities to live in dignity, and opportunities to access important services.” He said.
The Prime Minister called for continued collaboration on an inclusive and sustainable Timorese society, leaving no one behind, for which it is necessary to jointly try to further improve the performance of social services and promote the participation, accessibility and involvement of women, in key sectors to promote a dignified, safe and decent Timorese society, especially for women.
Reported by : Estefania
Picture by : Estefania