Self-Determination of Timor-Leste: Gender Equality Concern in Clandestine movement toward narratives of Timorese women's History

Abstract

This study examines the self-determination of Timorese Women’s in history of Timor-Leste’s underground movement named as Clandestine Front. The Research methods and analysis used in this study applied a historical research technique, to examine and critically analyze the narrative recordings of nine (9) female leaders of resistance organizations. That the shared perception of women's participation in the national liberation movement throughout underground movement of the Clandestine Front with equal participation between men and women that reflect the historical reality in nation building. Classification of women based on their traditional roles, including the portrayal of women as weak, vulnerable, submissive as a form of classical stereotypes no longer exists. The role of women in the national resistance movement showcases the progress and modernity of women in contemporary society. The history of Clandestine Front, show women as essential human capital, they have the power of ideas of nationalism, patriotism and the right to self-determination. This resilience reflected the results of the 1999, through a referendum organized by the United Nation mission 'UNAMET,' 75.5 per cent of the people of Timor-Leste voted against joining with Indonesia, which meant that Timor-Leste could take the required steps to become an independent sovereign state. This research paper is to prove that the women of Timor-Leste were highly visible during the resistance and had a clear sense of purpose and value, the strength and competence, women had a strongered and more equal gendered role during the resistance, in shaping the journey to independence and starting to shape the gender balance in the narrative of the history of nation building onward