Timor-Leste Marks 50 Years of National Women's Day with a Tribute to Women of Resistance in Bobonaro
On November 3rd, 2026, the Government—through the Secretariat of State for Equality—held a ceremony in Bobonaro Municipality to mark the 50th anniversary of Timor-Leste’s National Women’s Day, dedicated to the memory of national heroine Maria Tapó and recognising the contributions of Timorese women to the independence struggle, state-building, and national development.
The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion and the Acting Secretary of State for Equality and Inclusion, Verónica das Dores. It included a thanksgiving Mass, a tribute at Maria Tapó’s grave, and sports activities, with participation from representatives of women’s organisations, community leaders, and local communities.
National Women’s Day is observed annually on November 3rd in memory of Maria Tapó, a member of the Timorese Women’s Popular Organisation (OPMT), who died in combat on that date in 1975. Since 1976, the date has been observed in recognition of women’s role in the national liberation struggle, and it was formally established as a national public holiday under Law No. 10/2023 of April 5th.
In her address, Verónica das Dores paid tribute to the sacrifices of Timorese women during the occupation, particularly the violence and discrimination they endured, and highlighted their contributions to the Resistance. The Minister also underscored progress in women's participation in education, politics, the economy, and state institutions, while noting remaining challenges to equal opportunity.
The Minister emphasised the imperative to translate national and international commitments into concrete measures by mainstreaming gender perspectives across public policy planning, budgeting, and implementation. She further highlighted the prevention and combating of gender-based violence, victim protection, and women's participation in decision-making processes, including at the local community level.
In his message marking the occasion, the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, noted that the Constitution of the Republic enshrines equality between women and men and called for this principle to be implemented through public policies backed by the necessary financial resources. The Head of State also stressed the need to guarantee women and girls access to education, healthcare, social protection, and political participation, and encouraged men and boys to join in promoting equality and combating discrimination and violence against women.
The Chair of Committee F of the National Parliament, Maria Barreto Gorumali, also highlighted women’s contributions to national self-determination and advocated recognition of their role in the history of the Resistance. She urged public institutions, women’s organisations, and communities to actively engage in preventing and combating violence and discrimination.
The celebrations are held under the theme “Women of Timor-Leste: Celebrating 50 Years of Equality and Inclusion” and the motto “We, Timorese Women, Will Never Surrender, We Will Continue to Fight to Achieve Equality and Inclusion”, both approved by the Council of Ministers on August 26th, 2026.
The commemorative programme, coordinated by the Secretariat of State for Equality, included a national seminar held on October 26th in Dili and will continue on November 6th at the Dili Convention Centre with the official national ceremony. This will feature a seminar on the role of women in peacebuilding, equality, and development, exhibitions highlighting their contributions to the Resistance and state-building, and cultural and artistic performances.
