Buibere pedagogy: a legacy of resistance from Timorese women

This article revisits and highlights the political, cultural, educational and diplomatic contributions of Timorese women from the 1975 generation, particularly those involved with Casa dos Timores and actively engaged in the political processes of the time. Drawing on the concept of Maubere pedagogy (Da Silva, 2011), this article, based on interviews and historical documentary research, demonstrates the significant role of women in shaping Timor-Leste’s political, diplomatic, cultural and educational landscapes from 1975 onwards. In light of feminist and decolonial pedagogies, the article explores the enduring legacy of these women’s activism in advancing the rights of Timorese women. It further proposes the concept of Buibere pedagogy, an approach rooted in the perspectives of Timorese women that integrates the struggle for independence with the pursuit of gender equality.