DILI, 26 april 2024 (TATOLI) – Rede Feto Timor-Leste, in partnership with UN Women, is sharing the results of the women’s safety audit walk conducted in 2022-2023 in 24 public spaces across the 4 targeted municipalities (Baucau, Dili, RAEOA, and Covalima). This initiative is part of the Joint UN Together for Equality (T4E) program, supported by KOICA Timor-Leste.
The audit, led by Rede Feto and its affiliated members (UFD Baucau, Esperança, FKSH, and MANEO), included 1,570 participants (598 women and 972 men) from various backgrounds. The audited locations included government offices (3), educational institutions (4), markets (8), hospitals (2), public parks (5), and public transportation (2).
The audit revealed significant safety concerns affecting women and girls, with over 70% of respondents feeling unsafe in public spaces. Hospitals and public parks were highlighted as areas of particular concern, with respondents expressing fear and discomfort, emphasizing the urgent need for improved safety measures.
Key safety issues identified included inadequate lighting, poor visibility, lack of openness, and inadequate walk path conditions. High people density and gender diversity were noted as factors contributing to feelings of insecurity, particularly in male-dominated areas.
Immediate actions recommended include investing in lighting infrastructure, enhancing physical security, and creating safe spaces. Long-term recommendations emphasize promoting gender diversity and inclusivity, optimizing walkways for safety and accessibility, and fostering community engagement through awareness programs. These recommendations are intended for the government, suggesting the allocation of funds in the annual action plan and budget cycle (AAP 2025) for these improvements. A phased implementation approach for high-budget items is recommended to ensure efficient resource utilization.
“The safety audit tool helps us empower members and participants to be aware of safety and use evidence to advocate for safer public spaces. This approach ensures that the voices of women and girls are heard and acted upon effectively” stated President of Board Members of Rede Feto, Zelia Fernandes.
Globally, through the “Safe Cities and Safe Public Spaces Initiative,” UN Women has partnered with governments in more than 27 cities around the world to empower women and girls in public spaces free from sexual harassment and other forms of sexual violence.
“The partnership between UN Women, Rede Feto, and the government is instrumental in addressing safety concerns in public spaces. Through our joint efforts, we can implement sustainable solutions and promote a culture of safety and inclusivity,” said Amy Nishtha Satyam, Head of Office, UN Women
The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has been actively supporting the Safe Cities program. KOICA provides funding and technical assistance to help implement Safe Cities initiatives in various countries, contributing to the program’s goal of creating safer and more inclusive urban environments for women and girls.
“KOICA is proud to support the Women’s Safety Audit initiative in Timor-Leste, working alongside partners like Rede Feto and UN Women. Our commitment reflects KOICA’s dedication to fostering safe and inclusive communities, ensuring that women and girls can thrive without fear of violence in public spaces.” Younhwa Kang, Country Director, KOICA Timor-Leste
UN Women and Rede Feto have been collaborating with the Ministry of Public Works and four Municipal Authorities in conducting two Women’s Safety Audit Walks at Government offices and other public spaces. This collaboration aims to strengthen local government ownership and promote safe and inclusive public spaces.
In response to the findings and recommendations from the Women’s Safety Audit Walk, the President of Commission C at the National Parliament Her Excellency Cedelizia Faria dos Santos stated the commitment from tha parliament abd called for the government’s offices to invest and promote safety and inclusivity in public spaces, “the findings of the women’s safety audit are a wake-up call for all of us. Ensuring safety in public spaces is not just a matter of infrastructure; it’s about creating a culture of inclusivity and respect. As policymakers, we are committed to holding the relevant line ministries accountable for allocating resources and implementing measures that will make our public spaces safe for everyone, particularly women and girls.”
The Women’s Safety Audit (WSA), a tool for identifying factors that may lead to increased violence against women and girls (VAWG) and providing recommendations to enhance public space safety. As part of the T4E Programme implemented by Rede Feto and its affiliated members (UFD Baucau, Esperança, FKSH, and MANEO), 24 public spaces in four municipalities were audited using the WSA tool.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
