International Women's Day Celebrated by the Ministry of Health with Initiative to Combat Gender Violence
The Ministry of Health reiterates its commitment to gender equality and the fight against gender-based violence in Timor-Leste on International Women's Day on March 8th, 2024, under the motto "Count on it: Invest in Women. Leave No One Behind! Accelerating Progress in the Health Sector's Response to Gender-Based Violence in Timor-Leste". The ceremony, held at City 8 in Dili, was technically supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Timor-Leste through the KOICA-funded project, "Together for Equality" (T4E). 
In her speech, the Minister of Health of Timor-Leste, Élia A. dos Reis Amaral, congratulated women around the world, especially those in Timor-Leste, recognising the crucial role of health professionals in providing quality services to survivors of GBV. The minister stressed the importance of collaboration between various services, such as the police, the judiciary, the social sector and civil society organisations, to identify and refer survivors for comprehensive medical care and treatment. 
Élia Amaral also highlighted the need to involve boys and men in promoting gender equality and preventing violence.
Domingas Bernardo, the head of UNFPA in Timor-Leste, emphasised that International Women's Day offers an opportunity to reflect on the efforts and progress made towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5 on Gender Equality. This is an opportune moment to celebrate the courage and determination of women who have made an extraordinary contribution to the history and development of our society and our beloved country. Gender-based violence continues to be a human rights violation and a public health problem in Timor-Leste. 
The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the National Institute of Public Health of Timor-Leste and the support of UNFPA, has trained health professionals and established safe spaces in the municipalities of Viqueque, Liquiçá, Bobonaro (Atabae) and Ermera (Gleno) to provide essential support and services to survivors of gender-based violence, guaranteeing privacy and confidentiality. New safe spaces will be launched in Lospalos, Baucau, Dili and Covalima.
