Women’s postconflict activism to end gender violence: Timor-Leste in comparative perspective

This article compares efforts to end gender violence in Timor-Leste with those in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Guatemala, and Bosnia-Herzegovina, investigated as part of a ten-year research project on women’s activism in postconflict societies. In all four countries, women experienced conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV), including rape, forced marriage, forced impregnation, forced abortion and hysterectomy, and threats. Despite the formal end of conflict, gender violence has increased in each setting. Yet, women’s activism has expanded, as reflected in the growing impact of civil society organizations that accompany and advocate for survivors. While Timor-Leste continues to face high levels of gender violence, several factors distinguish it from the other cases. Women survivors of CRSV during the Indonesian occupation have become grassroots activists advancing gender equality. Since Indonesian forces withdrew from Timor-Leste, peacebuilding did not require reconciliation between two enemies in the same space; in effect, the East Timorese “won.” This context, combined with strong government commitments and dynamic civil society organizations, gives Timor-Leste comparative advantages in constructing a postconflict society that supports women’s rights. Nonetheless, challenges persist, particularly in securing justice and reparations for CRSV survivors and ensuring the consistent implementation of laws targeting gender violence. By comparing these diverse postconflict settings, the article demonstrates how supporting women’s activism remains central to building more just and inclusive societies in the wake of war.