Timor-Leste celebrated International Women’s Day, February 8th last in Delta Nova, with the presence of a few national and international individualities that debated over the theme “Joining efforts for the benefit of access to the Protection and Equality of Opportunities”.

“The choice of this theme has the objective of talking about the national compromise in assuring women’s access to Justice, Health, Education and Liberty, and the equal use of rights and opportunities towards men, in all areas”, revealed the Secretary of State for Promotion of Equality, Idelta Maria Rodrigues.

Idelta Rodrigues also added that “the points that reflect such a compromise should be realized by all, women and men, we must maintain this conviction in our daily life as to, together, incite a fight for the promotion of gender equality in this Country”.

On the same occasion, the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, said “the cases of domestic violence in Timor-Leste are very serious, we must take conscience of this and create economic independence for women. In the cases of domestic and sexual violence, preventive imprisonment should exist to stop men who are protagonists of these violent acts, can move freely before being judged”.

The vice-President of the National Parliament, Maria Paixão, reminded: “we cannot forget our sisters and friends’ needs of protection and equal opportunity, therefore we should ask the Government special attention for the children’s access to a good education”.

In turn, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General in Timor-Leste, Ameerah Haq, considered the occasion not only as a celebration but also an opportunity for reflexion about responsibilities, both collective and individual, to be assumed by women, men and children of both sexes, enjoying their right to equal opportunity related with liberty and professional equality, without constrains or discrimination.