DILI, 28 october 2024 (TATOLI) – The Together for Equality (T4E) programme convenes its second showcase event on October 28-29, 2024. This gathering celebrates the remarkable results achieved through the collaboration of the Government of Timor-Leste, civil society organizations (CSOs), and four UN agencies—UN Women, IOM, UNDP, and UNFPA. The event aims to highlight transformative interventions and the sustainability of practices and services that enhance the prevention and quality response to gender-based violence (GBV).
Gender-based violence is a critical issue impacting countless individuals in Timor-Leste, undermining the health, safety, and dignity of survivors. The T4E programme addresses this challenge through a multisectoral approach that engages various stakeholders across society. This workshop will facilitate knowledge sharing, acknowledge partners’ contributions, and develop strategies to overcome challenges in addressing GBV.
Over the past four years, significant progress has been made in raising community awareness and promoting essential services for survivors. By successfully institutionalizing best practices, youth and communities are empowered to take an active role in creating safer environments, which are vital for addressing immediate needs and fostering a culture of respect and equality.
The workshop will feature discussions on integrating GBV prevention strategies into national frameworks, strengthening health and justice services, and highlighting the essential contributions of CSOs in advocating for change. This collaborative initiative emphasizes the shared responsibility in combating GBV and ensuring that survivors’ voices are prioritized.
Key representatives from programme beneficiaries, KOICA, the Secretary of State for Equality (SEI), NAP GBV line ministries, local authorities from Dili, Baucau, Covalima, and Oecusse-Ambeno, CSOs and development partners will participate in the event. Since its launch in November 2020, the KOICA-funded T4E project has supported government efforts to prevent and respond to GBV, aligning with the National Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence led by SEI and the National Sustainable Development Goals Roadmap.
“The joint effort through the T4E is crucial in addressing gender-based violence in Timor-Leste. It transforms societal norms, enhances access to vital services, and fosters collaboration among all stakeholders, contributing to a safer and more inclusive society together.” Said H.E. Elvina de Sousa Carvalho, Secretary of State for Equality.
Throughout its implementation, the T4E project has directly benefited over 60,660 individuals, including women, men, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTI community. By transforming attitudes, enhancing access to essential services, and improving legislation against gender discrimination, tangible differences are being made. The project has collaborated with 25 government institutions, 19 CSOs, and 5 public institutions to enhance capacities across various sectors and improve access to essential services for GBV survivors.
By transforming attitudes and behaviors, enhancing access to essential services, and improving legislation against gender discrimination, tangible differences are being made. The project has also worked with 25 government institutions, 19 CSOs, and 5 public institutions to enhance capacities across the government, justice, and health sectors, improving access to essential services for GBV survivors.
“We recognize the profound commitment of the Timorese government and civil society partners in driving this important agenda forward,” expressed Dr. Arvind Mathur. UN Resident Coordinator a.i.” Their remarkable leadership and dedication are vital in ensuring that the progress we have made in preventing and addressing gender-based violence continues to thrive.”
The Together for Equality project is generously funded by the Government of Korea through KOICA, a long-standing development partner of Timor-Leste. This funding is crucial for supporting the implementation of the government’s actions to end violence against women and girls, empowering them to live free from sexual harassment and violence in public and private spaces.
“KOICA is honored to play a pivotal role in creating a comprehensive framework for preventing and responding to GBV, marking a significant milestone in empowering women and girls in Timor-Leste,” said Ms. Youhnwa Kang, Country Director of KOICA Timor-Leste.
Together for Equality unites the expertise and efforts of Timor-Leste’s government institutions, four UN agencies, KOICA, and CSOs, along with the participation of development agencies. By leveraging collective strengths, the initiative tackles domestic violence, sexual harassment, public space violence, and GBV in disaster risk reduction contexts.
The Together for Equality partnership supports Timor-Leste’s implementation of its 2022-2023 National Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence (NAP-GBV), led by the Secretary of State for Equality, and aligns with the National SDG Roadmap. In collaboration with key line ministries and CSOs, the project focuses on preventing GBV, enhancing health and justice services, strengthening violence monitoring and reporting in public and private spaces, and addressing GBV in disaster risk reduction contexts. This initiative also directly contributes to KOICA’s global ‘Fill the Gap’ initiative, which aims to help countries achieve SDG 5 on gender equality.
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