DILI 15 august 2023 (TATOLI)- President of Republic, José Ramos Horta and with United Nations Women International Agency (UNW) together with Secretary of State for Equality (SoSE), Timor Aids, Alola Foundation and Rede Soru Na’in group officially launched Tais Market in Dili.
UN Women Timor-Leste’s Head of Office, Amy Nishtha Satyam said this is the first fully owned and managed storefront to empower rural economically and to preserve the rich tradition of This weaving.
“When in rural areas are amongst those furthest in accessing their economic rights and livelihood opportunities. UN Women Timor Leste stands by its commitment to supporting women weavers as a sub-group, particularly marginalized. The opening of the Rede Soru Nain store is a pivotal moment in supporting the livelihoods of these remarkable women and preserving the art of Tais,’’ UN Women Timor-Leste’s Head of Office, Amy Nishtha Satyam said at the launching ceremony of Rede Soru Naín in Colmera, monday.
She added that the store, the first of its kind, is a critical milestone in the efforts of government and development partners in the country to strengthen women’s associations, while at the same time safeguarding and promoting the traditional art of Tais in Timor-Leste: “This store is symbolic of what women can achieve when provided with the right capacities, opportunities, and access to the market,”
It will showcase Tai’s weaves, products, and handicrafts made by women artisans. Visitors of the rede soru Na’in store will have the opportunity to explore a diverse and captivating collection of Tais, showcasing a wide array of designs from various regions of Timor-Leste, as well as other handmade products produced by women artisans.
The store is committed to fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of Tais, inviting visitors to connect with the artisans behind the crafts. Guests will have the privilege of interacting with some of the women weavers and gaining insights into their creative processes and personal journey.
Created under the National Safeguarding Plan of Tais, with the collective efforts of UN Women, Timor Aid, and the Alola Foundation, Rede Soru Na’in is a network of Tais weavers across Timor-Leste.
Timor Aid Adviser, Joana Pinto Coelho, The mission of Rede Soru Na’in is to safeguard and promote the traditional art of Tais weaving in Timor-Leste, empowering its community of skilled artisans, and creating Women a collective voice that advocates for their interests and right While focusing on diversified markets and products.
“Through targeted initiatives and skill development programs, the association seeks to create sustainable livelihoods for rural women while preserving the country’s rich cultural heritage for future generations,” she said.
It is known that the launching ceremony was participated by the President of the Republic, José Ramos Horta, United Nations Women (UNW), country representative, Amy Nishtha Satyam, Timor Aids Advisor, Joana Pinto Coelho, ALILA country director, and Secretary State for Equality, Evina De Sousa Carvalho and Timorese weaver’s women.
The scheduled store in Dili Square, next to Pateo supermarket, will officially open its doors to the public on August 15. Starting from August 15 the opening hours will be 09:30 AM to 6:30from Monday to Sunday.
Journalist: José Belarmino De Sá
Editor: Nelia B.
