By Ni Loh Gusti Madewanti, a Feminist Anthropologist, Project Manager GEDI Yayasan Humanis dan Inovasi Sosial (Humanis)
“When problems occurred at home, I became a victim of violence. The neighbours were silent when they witnessed and heard the violence I experienced. They were afraid to help. My sister dared to take firm steps to take me to a safe house (Umah Mahon). At Umah Mahon, I gained much knowledge through vegetable gardening training, including a microcredit program. FOKUPERS also provided behavioural change intervention counselling to my husband. Finally, I went home and was given capital to open a small kiosk in front of the house. I have continued my life with more freedom to do anything without feeling dependent on my partner. Economic income and freedom to work are empowerments for me as a woman. These two things became a turning point for my husband’s awareness not to commit violence. I live more harmoniously and better. I don’t want my children to experience the same thing; that bitter experience is enough for me,” said Maria Maculada da Silva, a survivor assisted by FOKUPERS, shown in a documentary produced by Humanis and its consortium partners, Civil Society and Governance Timor-Leste (CSG-TL): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7k2_ABCltaU
Maria Maculada da Silva, a millennial woman from Baucau, Timor-Leste, has experienced a form of violence that is all too common in her country. Her story is a stark reminder that violence is not limited to physical or sexual acts, but is deeply rooted in systemic economic inequality. Many women, particularly those in rural areas, are financially dependent on their partners or male family members for income and basic needs. This dependence significantly increases their vulnerability to domestic violence and abuse. For women who rely on a single source of income, leaving an abusive relationship often means risking their economic stability. A report by UN Women states that around 40% of women in Timor-Leste have experienced domestic violence, and the majority of them do not report the violence for fear of economic or social consequences. This economic dependence exacerbates the problem, leaving women feeling trapped in dangerous situations. When women do not have control over their economic resources, they have no choice but to remain in abusive relationships. This systemic issue urgently calls for change.
According to data collected by the Judicial System Monitoring Program (JSMP) in the last three years , more than 7,000 cases of violence against women, children, and vulnerable groups have been recorded, with sexual violence (sexual harassment, rape, forced marriage, and incest) dominating. Data obtained from The Institute for Child Rights Defenders (INDICCA) in Timor-Leste and various government and civil society institutions show that the majority of victims are women, vulnerable groups, and children, with more than 80% of perpetrators being people known to the victim, such as family members or neighbours.
The number of gender-based violence is often higher than recorded, given the large number of cases that go unreported. This issue is exacerbated by the existence of a culture of silence, stigma, and lack of awareness of the rights of women, children, and vulnerable groups in many communities. Data collected by FOKUPERS in 2023 also shows that 1 in 3 women in Timor-Leste have experienced physical, sexual, or emotional violence in their lifetime. The culture of silence and the inability to speak out about violence—especially sexual violence—creates space for perpetrators to continue their actions without fear of legal consequences. In addition, the JSMP Annual Report also highlights that the inability of the justice system to provide appropriate punishment for perpetrators and the lack of facilities and support for victims make this cycle of violence challenging to stop. Often, victims feel they have no place to seek protection and justice.
Causes and Challenges: Socio-Cultural Dynamics and Abstention from Pro-Women and Vulnerable Groups State Budget Allocations
Gender-based violence and sexual violence in Timor-Leste cannot be understood without considering the complex social, cultural, and economic context. In many cases, deep-seated patriarchal norms are the leading cause of gender inequality, where women are seen as inferior to men, both in the domestic and public spheres.
“The powerful patriarchal system in Timor-Leste makes men always positioned as number one, women below them. Anything done by men is always considered ordinary and commonplace, including violence,” said Ana Paula, JSMP’s Executive Director, in an interview shown in a documentary produced by Humanis and its consortium partners, Civil Society and Governance Timor-Leste (CSG-TL): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7k2_ABCltaU
The reflection of deeply rooted patriarchy is also seen in the state budget, which is still not pro-women, children, and vulnerable groups. As a feminist anthropologist who has been involved in women’s issues, humanitarianism, and human rights in Timor Leste for more than three years, I have witnessed how the state budget imbalance impacts the most vulnerable groups, including women and children. One aspect that is very worrying in Timor-Leste’s state budget is the allocation of minimal funds for the education sector and health, as well as for programs that focus on women’s empowerment and child protection.
About five days ago, on November 21, 2024, the State Budget 2025 was passed by the National Parliament of Timor Leste. The total state budget of USD 2.617 billion is still dominated by a budget allocation of USD 2.07 billion for central administration and USD 2.6 million for particular administration Region Oe-cusse Ambeno (RAEOA). Investment in infrastructure strategy is the vision behind ratifying the State Budget 2025.
The education sector in Timor-Leste is one area that still requires serious attention from the government. Although there has been some progress since independence, such as an increase in the number of children who can access primary education, the quality of education and its affordability remain significant challenges, especially in rural areas. Data from La’o Hamutuk states that although the budget for the education sector has increased slightly compared to previous years, the proportion of funds allocated to education in the total state budget remains very small, at only around 10.7% of the total budget. In the State Budget 2025, only USD 16.2 million was allocated for the technical training and scholarship program, and USD 145,800 was earmarked for education to build new school buildings, train teachers, and strengthen the school management system. This is still far from the basic needs to finance a quality education system, especially for women and children living in remote districts with difficult access to adequate transportation. Many of them still face significant challenges in accessing education, both due to limited facilities and infrastructure, a lack of qualified teachers, and cultural factors that limit girls’ participation in education. From the State Budget 2025, the allocation of funds for education shows that the country is still highly dependent on foreign aid to finance this sector, while more than domestic budget contributions is needed to create significant changes.
Like education, the health sector also shows gaps in budget allocations that do not reflect the community’s real needs, especially for women and children. La’o Hamutuk noted that although there has been an increase in the amount of funds allocated to health compared to previous years, this allocation of funds is still minimal to cover the entire population, and more worryingly, very little is directed explicitly at the reproductive health of women and children. In the State Budget 2025, the health sector received around 8.5% of the total state budget, which is still a very low considering the significant challenges facing this sector. The issue of maternal and child health, the still high maternal mortality rate, and the high prevalence of gender-based violence that contributes to women’s physical and mental health are issues that should receive greater attention in this budget.
What Maria Maculada da Costa experienced in her story at the beginning of the article is clear evidence of the failure of government policies and programs to reach women in rural areas. In addition, La’o Hamutuk also noted that most health funds are still concentrated in health facilities in big cities, while health services in rural and remote areas, which are home to many women and children, still need to be expanded and improved. The 2025 State Budget only allocates USD 14.2 million to procure essentials, including drugs and medical equipment and adds USD 2.85 million to improve health and nutrition for pregnant women and children. Sadly, only around USD 0,990,000 is allocated to improve the hospitals and health centers across Timor-Leste.
Although gender-based violence (GBV) and child protection have been important agendas in Timor-Leste government policies in recent years, efforts to address these issues through the state budget are still very minimal. In the 2025 State Budget, the allocation of funds for women’s empowerment and child protection programs only covers around 2.3% of the total state budget, a meager figure considering the problem’s urgency. Most of the funds allocated for women’s and children’s protection programs are more focused on social campaigns or donor-based projects, which often need to be revised and more sustainable to address the deeper roots of the problem. In addition, although several policies support women, such as the Gender-Based Violence Law and the Child Protection Law, the implementation of these policies is still hampered by budget constraints and weak political support.
The Need for a Gender Responsive and Inclusive Budget is Raised as a Joint Advocacy Issue
As part of the celebration of the 16 Days of Anti-Violence Against Women Campaign, we must reflect on and thoughtfully respond to the issue of gender-based and sexual violence in Timor Leste, including the minimal allocation of the state budget in crucial sectors such as education, health, and women’s empowerment, as well as the protection of children and vulnerable groups. This is not only about stopping violence but also encouraging the Gender Responsive Budget to become one of the catalysts for change and state support, including creating a more just and equal society for women, children, and vulnerable groups. The 2025 State Budget shows that despite the intention to improve the conditions of education, health, and women’s empowerment, the allocation of funds provided is still minimal and does not reflect the real needs of the community, especially women and children. Sectors that are global priorities in women’s empowerment—such as education, health, and protection—still receive very minimal budgets.
To achieve sustainable development goals and create a just and equitable society, the state must take concrete steps to increase budget allocations to these sectors, focusing on gender-responsive and inclusive policies. Only then can Timor-Leste reduce social inequality and improve the quality of life for women and children nationwide. We, as civil society, must continue to fight for change, raise public awareness, and ensure that women and children in Timor-Leste can live free from fear and violence. It is essential to continue to push for advocacy, both by civil society organizations such as JSMP, FOKUPER, and La’o Hamutuk, as well as feminist and human rights movements, so that the state budget better reflects the basic needs of all Timorese people, especially the most vulnerable. We still have a long way to go, but we can create a safer and more equal future with concrete steps and strong collaboration. Today, we begin celebrating the 16 Days of Action Against Violence Against Women. This is not just a celebration but a commemoration of the struggle in a collective movement of joint advocacy. A Luta Continua!
TATOLI
