Dili, November 17, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Ministry of Education, together with the Secretary of State for Equality (SEI), relevant ministries, and development partners, launched a strategy for the prevention and protection program against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in schools. The launching event took place at Ian Martin Infordepe Matadoru, and this activity was accessed through the Ministry of Education’s official page earlier this week.
The Minister of Education, Dulce de Jesus Soares, stated that the Ministry of Education, in coordination with the Secretary of State for Equality-SEI, the Ministry of Social Solidarity and Inclusion, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Higher Education, and the Secretary of State for Equality, carried out the launch of the strategy for the prevention and protection program against gender-based violence in schools, as a continuation of the implementation of the National Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence already launched.
“This program is not new but represents a continued effort to strengthen and provide training to teachers, school directors, deputy directors, superintendents, inspectors, and mentors so everyone can work together to ensure and combat gender-based violence and protect children from such actions,” said Minister of Education Dulce de Jesus Soares.
The Minister added that this program is a commitment of the IX Constitutional Government to continue strengthening efforts to combat gender-based violence in schools. According to the plan, the program will involve around 14,000 teachers from schools across the entire territory.
Meanwhile, the Secretary of State for Equality, Elvina Sousa Carvalho, expressed her honour in joining the Ministry of Education to launch the strategy aimed at strengthening the education system’s capacity to protect children and youth and prevent gender-based violence in Timor-Leste.
“We must appreciate the efforts made by the Ministry of Education not only for launching this strategy to strengthen the education system’s capacity, but also for the deeper efforts the Ministry has made to contribute to preventing gender-based violence in the education sector,” said the Secretary of State for Equality, Elvina Sousa Carvalho.
She added that continued support will be provided to this positive initiative of the Ministry of Education to help implement the strategy, marking an important step toward building a safe, inclusive society that respects one another.
She further explained that through the launch of this strategy, it is necessary for individuals to commit to teaching and guiding the younger generation to determine their future in a positive and safe manner. The activity was participated in by the Ministry of Education, the Secretary of State for Equality-SEI, the Ministry of Social Solidarity and Inclusion, and all relevant partners.
Reporter: Nelfiano
Photo: Media ME