News
Campaign against Domestic Violence Launched on National Women’s Day in Timor-Leste
Date: 3 November 2009
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National Women’s Day was celebrated in Timor-Leste on 3 November, in honour of Timorese women’s role in the history of the country, from their involvement in the struggle for independence to their work on rebuilding the nation. At an official ceremony in Dili, attended by approximately 300 people, the current challenges faced by Timorese women were not ignored, as national leaders vowed to end violence against women.
President José Ramos-Horta, Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão, President of the Parliament Fernando Lasama de Araújo and the Minister for Social Solidarity Maria Domingos Alves launched a joint campaign to combat domestic violence. Each signed and wrote individual messages on postcards proclaiming “Domestic Violence is now a public crime. Anyone can report it. You could go to jail.”
The postcards will be circulated throughout Timor-Leste, as part of a wider campaign to raise awareness that domestic violence is a crime and in support of a Law against Domestic Violence, soon to be debated by Parliament. Spearheaded by UNIFEM, the campaign is a joint effort with UNMIT, UNFPA, UNICEF, the International Organization for Migration and the Spanish MDG Achievement Fund. The Secretariat for the Promotion of Equality, the National Police of Timor-Leste and a number of Timorese non-governmental organizations are also instrumental in ensuring the campaign’s success.
Domestic violence is prevalent in Timor-Leste. A 2003 study by the International Rescue Committee found that 51 percent of the women consulted felt unsafe in the relationship with their husband.
For further information, contact Jen Ward, Communication Officer, UNIFEM Timor-Leste, +670 331-3294 or +670 761-1730.
