DILI, 08 march 2022 (TATOLI) – Asia Justice and Right (AJAR) considered Timorese women still encounter injustice due to some cultural barriers such as cultural, “dowry” and patriarchy, on celebrating international women’s day.
The Executive director of AJAR, José Oliveira said that on the occasion of celebrating International women day, AJAR is still considering Timorese women still faced injustice.
“Most of Timorese women still find it difficult to access justice properly and women are still abandoned. Women are still considered very weak in physical and mental and Injustice always affected them, The Executive Director, José Oliveira told reporters at São Paulo meeting room, Comoro, this tuesday.
The barriers are due to the cultural sector, dowry and patriarchy. AJAR still does not mention what percentage of women are still affected by injustice, as the report will be announced in may 2022, on celebrating 20 years of country independence.
Mr. Oliveira said dowry is contributing to rising domestic violence. A man can be treated by a woman due to the richness offered to the women. AJAR considers less of conscience and knowledge, people misinterpreting dowry for the cultural sector.
AJAR is strongly recommended to Timorese people to adopt humanity values. To lose the mentality of not dignifying the human value, especially referring to the women.
“A woman is not allowed and reports to local authority as the parent is forbidden. Dowry discriminating against women right is against Timor-Leste’s constitution mentioned at articles 16-17 forbidden for bad treat and injustice against women,” he added.
AJAR also conducted an initiative Spotlight program to strengthen civic society capacity to combat violence against girls and women. This program is implemented in one year, January 2021 and will end on 31 march 2022.
UN Women is provided the financial support for initiative spotlight and implementation by AJAR in cooperating with local civic societies and national NOG.
It is providing capacity building for women to gain a skillful life. It is contributing for reducing domestic violence against women. There are 23 civic societies composed of Viqueque, Baucau, Aileu, Ermera, Likisa, Bobonaro, Covalima and Oe-cusse Ambeno. The program is also collaborating with national NGO such as PRADET, FOKUPERS RHTO, FOME AlFELA. The initiative spotlight is implanted in 21 villages.
General-Director of Secretary of State for Gender and Equality, Armando Da Costa considers the government is working to provide public assistance for women to be accessible. It can be referring to the women and men able to access education, health assistance and others.
He added that Timorese women have the same rights as men as the Timor-Leste country adopted a democracy system. Women and men have the same right to work in the office and can become leaders.
Mr. Costa considers minimal domestic salary still not responding to the women workers. It is not corresponding with a minimum salary which has been approved by the Secretary of State for Professional training and employment (SEFOPE).
Some women who are offering the household assistance are not deserving for $115 USD and just paid for 80 USD or even less. He concluded
Journalist: José Belarmino De Sá
Editor: Rafy Belo
