Fokupers raised awareness on the Prevention of Sexual Harassment and GBV at UNTL. Photo: Fokupers Lens. Date, 29/05/2026
Dili, 29 May 2026 – Fokupers raised awareness on the Prevention of Sexual Harassment and Gender Based Violence (GBV) to 131 students (89 women and 49 men) at the National University of East Timor (UNTL). This activity was held in the Auditorium of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FASPOL), Kaikoli, and involved students from eight departments.
The activity aimed to raise awareness in the academic community about the different forms of sexual harassment and gender-based violence, while also introducing the legal tools available to protect victims. In addition, the disscussion also aimed to provide education on sexual violence prevention efforts, encourage courage to speak up,report cases experienced or known, and strengthen intersectoral coordination within GBV referral mechanisms at local and university levels.
During the sensitization session, students gained a better understanding of the GBV survivor service referral mechanism and the procedures for filing complaints about GBV cases, both through the internal disciplinary mechanism and the criminal accountability process. Participants also learned about the different forms of sexual harassment, the impact on victims, and the importance of building a safe, inclusive, and violence-free campus environment.
As part of the commitment to the principle of inclusivity, this activity also ensures the involvement of Persons with Disabilities (PWD). This step was taken to ensure that each person had an equal opportunity to participate and access information on GBV prevention.
This activity was attended by various key stakeholders, including the Vice Rector for Student Affairs of UNTL, Director of Fokupers, Deputy Coordinator of the Civil Society Support Office (GASC), Director of the UNTL Gender Equality Center, Dean of FASPOL and structures, UNTL Ombudsman, Students and Students from the departments of Political Science, Public Policies, Social Communication, International Relations, Community Development, Social Community Inclusion, and Sociology).
Through this activity, Fokupers emphasizes the importance of collaboration between educational institutions, civil society organizations, government, and students to create an educational environment that respects human rights, upholds gender equality, and provides effective protection to victims of GBV.
This awareness activity was made possible by the support of the Civil Society Support Office (GASC) and collaboration with AJHJ-TL, which facilitated the implementation of the activity.
FOKUPERS expresses its appreciation and gratitude to GASC for its support in implementing this awareness program, and to AJHJ-TL for its cooperation and contribution to strengthen efforts to prevent and resolve sexual harassment and gender-based violence on campus. Together, we can create a safe, inclusive, and violence-free learning space for all.
