DILI, 03 november 2021 (TATOLI)— Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak congratulated women across Timor-Leste on the celebration of National Women’s Day, on November 3.
“On behalf of the government of Timor-Leste, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all women across the country on this special day,” Prime Minister, Taur Matan Rurak said in a statement on Wednesday.
The Government had decided November 3 as a national day for Timorese women to honor the death of the national heroine, Maria Tapo, who passed away on November 3: “Tapo represents all Timorese women who dedicated and sacrificed themselves among many heroes during Timor-Leste’s 24-year resistance.
“November 3 is a reflection day for us to recall and remember the contribution of Timorese women during the Indonesian occupation,” said Ruak.
Ruak said therefore, the Government would involve Timorese women in the national development process.
Tapo was one of the members of the Popular Organization of Timorese Women (OPMT) who fought bravely against the Indonesian military.
Tapo was a respected illiterate and simple woman, who was originally from Bobonaro municipality. She was recognized as the first Timorese heroine.
Tapo was killed on November 3 in a deadly battle, where she was shot by Indonesian troops after firing bullets on Indonesian troops.
After Tapo’s death, one of her comrades wrote a letter to the Fretilin Central Committee: “Tapo will not surrender, nor will we surrender, we will fight to the last drop of blood.”
A year later after Tapo’s death, in 1976, Timor-Leste’s First Prime Minister Nicolau Lobato declared November 3 as the National Day for Timorese Women.
In 1977, Fretilin Central Committee decreed a resolution to officially decide November 3 as National Women’s Day.
On the second day of the National Congress of Timorese Women in 2004, the majority of congresswomen insisted Timor-Leste should have a national day for Timorese women to recognize their contribution to the national liberation.
The National Parliament of Timor-Leste approved the day as National Women’s Day following the National Congress of Timorese Women in 2004.
Journalist: Antonia Gusmão
Editor: Julia Chatarina
Translation: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges Rasario
