Dili, March 29, 2026 (Lusa) – According to a study by Fundasaun Mahein, a Timorese non-governmental organisation (NGO), Timorese women play a central role in conflict resolution and peacebuilding, yet their leadership remains unrecognised because of its informal nature.
The study demonstrated that peacebuilding in Timor-Leste was not limited to formal institutions; rather, it was deeply rooted in daily social and economic life, with women performing a critical yet undervalued role in maintaining peace and stability at the community level.
Based on interviews conducted in the municipalities of Díli and Bobonaro, the organisation concluded that women operated primarily through family structures and informal social networks.
According to the organisation, women’s contribution was both preventative and reactive, combining active mediation during crises with long-term efforts to address root causes such as financial stress and economic dependence. Their influence was described as relational and deliberately discreet, avoiding the public eye to protect social harmony.
The NGO study said that women prioritised interpersonal dialogue over formal mechanisms, such as the police or local government, particularly when dealing with sensitive disputes where public exposure could cause further problems.
The study emphasised that patriarchal norms continued to limit the visible role of women, resulting in a form of hidden power that remained absent from political and institutional frameworks.
The findings suggested that such informal practices reflected broader historical and social dynamics, noting that women's capacity to contribute varied according to their knowledge, economic standing and social influence.
Fundasaun Mahein highlighted the research, the recognition of informal peacebuilding efforts, and the need to adapt community mechanisms to better reflect women’s roles.
The study also advocated increased economic support for women as a peacebuilding strategy and raised public awareness of gender equality through context-specific approaches.
It suggested that programmes providing access to credit, financial literacy and income-generating activities should not be viewed merely as development tools, but as vital investments in long-term national security.
MSE/MYAL // ADB.
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