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That was until the FRETILIN Bench party in Timor Leste tapped her on the shoulder.
In a country with minimal childcare and as a married mother of two, the 41-year-old was hesitant at first, before her family s vision for the country s independence eventually persuaded her.
That was in 2017 and she s still a proud MP today. I m very happy to assume this position because this is a good way in how to contribute in another way to my country, she told SBS News.
Timor Leste MP Lidia Martins
Supplied
She s among 26 women in Timor Leste s parliament, thanks to a quota system introduced in 2006 forcing political parties to nominate one woman for every three candidates at national elections.