This article examines attitudes and perceptions of young men toward gender relations and
gender-based violence in post-conflict Timor-Leste. A high level of domestic violence is
reported and a law against domestic violence has been passed in recent years. In 2013, a research
team surveyed almost 500 young men using the Gender-Equitable Men (GEM) Scale in both
rural and urban contexts. It was found that young men become less gender equitable as they get
older, and the environment they grow up in influences their gender attitudes. Existing
contradictions and tensions between national government policy and local customary practices
are well-known, and these are reflected in young men’s acceptance of general principles of
gender equality, which is unmatched by their willingness to accept more equitable gender
relations in their own lives. Of concern was the level of young men’s acceptance of sexual
harassment and forced sex. Mechanisms are required to influence young men’s attitudes to
gender equality and intimate partner relations in school programs and other arenas as a priority.