History of East-Timorese women’s in clandestine movement toward self-determination of Timor-Leste

This study examines the self-determination of Timorese Women in the 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. The role of women in the national resistance movement showcases the progress and modernity of women in contemporary society. The history of the Clandestine Front shows 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 1999, through a referendum organized by the United Nation mission 'UNAMET,' 75.5 percent 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 stronger 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.