DILI, 19 february 2024 (TATOLI) – United States Agency for International Development (USAID) announced US$ its new initiative “Breaking Barriers”, to help communities fight gender-based violence (GBV) and build better livelihoods. The US$3.5 million, four-year initiative will be implemented in the municipalities of Ermera, Liquiça, Covalima, and Bobonaro.
The Breaking Barriers activity is implemented by local NGO Hamutuk Nasaun Saudavel (HAMNASA), which seeks to address systematic GBV issues through prevention and response activities such as providing green job opportunities and business education.
“By addressing systemic gender barriers and promoting economic resilience among women, we aim to create a safer and more prosperous future for all citizens. Through collaboration with local partners like HAMNASA, we are confident in our ability to make a meaningful impact and foster positive change in these municipalities,’’ said USAID Interim Mission Director, Mark White.
The activity’s expected results include strengthening community engagement and responses through the development of GBV action plans; increasing awareness among students about harmful gender norms related to GBV; improving understanding of gender norms among men; enhancing GBV readiness assessment in health settings, and heightening trust in health facilities to provide GBV assistance.
Breaking Barriers builds on successful and proven approaches from previous HAMNASA programming. USAID is proud to continue working with local partners to strive towards ending the scourge of GBV in Timor-Leste.
Journalist: José Belarmino De Sá
Editor: Filomeno Martins
