DILI, 27 october 2022 (TATOLI) – The implementation of the European Union (EU) funded Reforsa Hamutuk Project supported 1,269 women survivors in Timor-Leste.
The project has been implemented since february 2020 with a contribution of US$ 550,000 (EUR 500,000) from the EU to promote the social inclusion and economic development of women survivors and victims of violence in Ainaro, Baucau, Dili, Ermera, Liquica, Manufahi, and Oecusse.
It was implemented by local NGOs, including Hivos, Forum Komunikasaun Ba Feto Timor Leste (Fokupers), and Asosiasaun Chega! Ba Ita (ACbit).
Within its 33 months of implementation, the project has supported 1,269 Timorese women survivors and microentrepreneurs through training, bazaar, and networking events. The project also supported four play and learning centers in Dili, and one playgroup in Liquica and trained focal points to facilitate and establish play and learning activities in five districts to support Timorese women, especially women survivors, in providing early childhood education for their children.
The Ambassador of the EU to Timor-Leste, Marc Fiedrich said: “The EU recognizes that women survivors and victims of gender-based violence need a range of services and support structures to facilitate healing and social and economic reintegration.”
“That is why Reforsa Hamutuk mattered for these women. Today we celebrate the successes of this action, also knowing that the journey goes on. And the EU continues committed to supporting like-minded partners for a more equal Timor-Leste, leaving no one behind,” Ambassador Fiedrich said during the completion celebration of the project, held at the Sao Jose Cathedral Hall, on wednesday (26/10), in Dili.
Commenting on the challenges regarding the project implementation, Tazia Teresa Darryanto, the Program Development Manager for Gender Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion of Hivos, stated: “The project was kicked off at the same time as the COVID-19 pandemic. The project adapts at its best to be the best platform possible for the rightsholders and stakeholders involved to support Timorese women survivors of violence.”
Similarly, Maria Manuela Leong Pereira, the Executive Director of ACbit, said: “The cyclone in April 2021 was also a challenge. We had to pause the project implementation for a while as our staff and survivors were among the victims affected by the flood and landslides. But, we support each other, and work together until the completion of this project.”
Talking about the support for women survivors beyond the project, Maria Fatima Pereira Guterres, the Executive Director of Fokupers, mentioned: “We could arrive on this day because of the support from many government institutions, community leaders, CSOs, and businesses. We hope that the support will continue beyond the Reforsa Hamutuk project. We have a great hope that key ministries and other government institutions would create specific work plans and budget allocation to support women survivors and victims of violence under the commitments that have been stated in the NAP-GBV 2022-2032, and SDGs.”
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges
