Dili, October 24, 2024 (Média Democracia) – In connection with the commemoration of National Women’s Day which will on November 3, 2024, the President of the Timor-Leste Journalists Association (AJTL) congratulates all Timor-Leste women who have fought for human rights, gender equality, injustice and especially the voices of vulnerable women.
President of the Timor-Leste Journalists Association (AJTL), Zevonia Maria Vieira said that women are key to development and participate in all sectors to promote gender equality and inclusion.
“Women are the key to development, without women’s contributions, development will not be balanced if women’s perspectives are not involved in ideas or thoughts that contribute to the country, women’s participation in all sectors, both in the media, journalists, their task to convey the voice of the people is very important, therefore, as part of promoting gender equality and also fighting discrimination against women, for women with disabilities and vulnerable groups who feel more marginalized.” Said the President of AJTL
She said that by commemorating National Women’s Day, can added the number of quality in order to strengthen networks in fighting injustice.
“Therefore, by commemorating National Women’s Day, it is hoped that women will be more empowered, increasing the quality of the number of women in order to strengthen the network in fighting injustice and fighting for human rights that we have been fighting for together, because human rights are a fundamental part for everyone to fight the inequality that will occurs.” She said.
Because so far women have been the object, especially in terms of information on social media, with less appreciation for women’s contributions.
“Often we see women as the subject of information that we access on social media, especially in the digital era, women are always a place for others to discriminate and not appreciate women’s contributions, we know that veterans, our heroes have contributed without getting the salary or rewards they want, they contribute because they feel like this is part of the responsibility they are given.” She said.
By commemorating National Women’s Day, it provides a thought to reflect on the struggles of women and heroes in the past.
“Therefore, on this National Day we can reflect for us to reflect, especially young women, to instill the values that they have instilled for a long time and the results can be enjoyed by today’s youth, by participating in the development process in various aspects that have been given by young women.” She added.
The AJTL President said that the state and government need to appreciate the contributions and creativity of young women.
“I want to focus on young women because currently the number of young people in Timor Leste has increased, their contributions, the creativity they create needs to be noticed by the state and government so that their contributions are appreciated even though their contributions are voluntary but actually very valuable.” Said the President of AJTL
She asked men to respect the role of women in contributing to fighting gender-based violence and sexual harassment.
“Therefore, with this, how can men appreciate the role of women so that they can contribute to fighting gender-based violence, domestic violence, especially sexual harassment, which often occurs to women in the digital era, especially on social media, where women often receive insults and negative actions.” She added.
Therefore, through these actions and commitments, we will continue to fight and believe in ourselves to contribute, so that we can show good results, not only for our country, but also for our people and a democratic Timor-Leste in the constitution to ensure the realization of inclusive and fair Gender Equality.
Reported by : Estefania
Picture by : Estefania