Dili, 29 may 2023 (TATOLI)- Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and United Nations Agencies together with the government of Timor-Leste evaluated the Gender-Based Violence (GBV), on “Together for Equality” project in Timor-Leste.
UN Resident Coordinator, Funni Balogun said this is a very important meeting between UN agencies in Timor-Leste together with KOICA and Relevant government institutions to evaluate the output of the implementation of the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) through the “Together for Equality” Project in Timor –Leste.
“The Together for Equality project deserves high praise for its remarkable coordination and collaboration among multiple entities, a rarity in many countries. This initiative leverages valuable lessons learned and best practices, bridging gaps in areas that require support, while effectively fostering collaboration and synergizing ideas from complementary projects like the spotlight initiative and Nabilan Project,’’ UN Resident Coordinator Funni Balogun said in her remarks, in City 8 meeting room, Manleuana, Monday
She added that by forging these partnerships, the project contributes to the creation of a comprehensive ecosystem that systematically prevents and responds to gender-based violence, guided by the National Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence.
In the same place Country Director of KOICA, Eunju Cha, highlighted the Together For Equality (T4E’s) project intervention to alleviate this GVB issue in Timor-Leste.
“I am proud of our achievements in the project. This project is a joint effort of KOICA, SEII, and UN Agencies,’’ Country Director of KOICA, Eunju Cha said
It is part of KOICA’s global flagship“Fill the Gap’’ initiative, which aims to address the gaps and challenges in achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment in various sectors and regions.
“Today we will explore how to implement this project effectively so that women and girls can realize their full potential and contribute to Timor-Leste’s future,”
During the meeting, JSC members discussed and approved the 2022 annual report and the project work plan for 2023, reviewed budget revisions, and discussed project progress and challenge.
The progress of the 2022 annual report highlights the key achievement of the prevention of Gender Based Violence in Timor-Leste and access to justice for GVS survivors.
While the Work Plan 2023 emphasizes access to justice for GBV victims, provision of services for the victims, and the prevention of GBV and coordination, Monitoring, and Evaluation.
A comprehensive program aimed at preventing gender-based violence (GBV) and promoting gender equality in Timor-Leste achieved significant results. A total of 32,833 direct beneficiaries, and 177,287 indirect beneficiaries gained essential knowledge and skills in priority areas.
According to findings from DHS 2016, almost half of married women have husbands who are justified in beating their controlling behavior. Additionally, 74% of women agree that a husband is justified in beating his wife. With this mentality still visible among communities in the country, an extensive GBV-focused project is critical.
“Through this project, we are working with the state institutions and local authorities to provide support in the service they provide including improving better quality of services and safe access to everyone, women, men, and people with disability,’’ said the Director General of Secretary of State for Equality and Inclusion, Armando Costa.
The “Together For Equality’’ project was launched in 2020 and funded by KOICA. This project cooperates with the UN’s Agency composed of UN Women, UNFPA, IOM and UNDP, the European Union, and Embassy Australia through DFAT.
This project also coordinates with relevant government institutions such as the Minister of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS), the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), the Secretary of State for Equality and Inclusion (SEII), the Public Defense Officer (PDO), the General Procurator (OPG), National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) and others.
This project was launched in 2022 and will be ended in 2026, implemented in four municipalities such as Dili, Baucau, Covalima, and Oeccusse Ambeno (RAEOA).
Journalist: José Belarmino De Sá
Editor: Nelia B.
