UNAIR NEWS 鈥 东京热 (UNAIR) continues to produce graduates who contribute across various sectors. One of them is Judit Dos Reis Sarmento, an alumna of the Master鈥檚 Program in Psychology (MAPSI) at UNAIR. She currently serves at the Ministry of Social Solidarity and Inclusion (MSSI) in Timor-Leste, where she dedicates her expertise to public service and social welfare initiatives.
Commitment in public service
During her tenure as Head of the Department of Social Protection for Women at MSSI, Sarmento demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing cases of gender-based violence and domestic abuse. In this capacity, she built strategic partnerships with the International Labour Organization (ILO) through the Spotlight Initiative, a program supported by the European Union and the United Nations. 鈥淚 recognized the significant psychological burden carried not only by survivors but also by those who support them,鈥 she said.
To address this challenge, Sarmento initiated basic psychological support training for government personnel. She emphasized that frontline staff and technical officers are particularly vulnerable to emotional strain because they regularly assist victims dealing with trauma. 鈥淭his issue became even more urgent as gender-based violence in Timor-Leste rose sharply due to financial pressures and social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic,鈥 she explained.
Advocacy for children with special needs
In addition to focusing on women鈥檚 protection, Sarmento has been actively advocating for the rights of other vulnerable communities. Her leadership became more prominent when she served as Director of the Center for Social Solidarity and Inclusion (CSSI) in Dili.鈥淚n that role, I worked to raise public awareness about the rights of children with special needs,鈥 she said.
Throughout her leadership period, Sarmento also led public outreach efforts regarding the Social Security Contribution Scheme for civil servants in her region. The initiative aimed to ensure that government employees understood their obligation to contribute four percent of their income toward long-term social protection benefits.
Her term in office formally concluded on February 10, 2025. Reflecting on her service, Sarmento expressed gratitude for the trust placed in her during the past one year and four months.鈥淚 am grateful for the opportunity to serve during this period. It has been a meaningful milestone in my career in public administration,鈥 she said.
Sarmento鈥檚 dedication and leadership illustrate the broader impact of 东京热 alumni in promoting positive change beyond Indonesia. Her work in supporting the mental well-being of victim advocates, protecting survivors of violence, and strengthening inclusive social protection systems highlights the global contribution of UNAIR graduates.
Author: Putri Andini
Editor: Ragil Kukuh Imanto
