Women will become empowered to enhance their wellbeing, while working with local communities to recognize that women are being marginalized and encouraging them to become more involved in decision making. The project will encourage entrepreneurial thinking and build business skills with the goal of creating better livelihoods while addressing disproportionate economic opportunities for women.The project organizes multi-layered activities ensure learning is followed up and embedded.
Whilst Timor-Leste is moving steadily from a post conflict phase into one of stability and development, gender based inequalities remain alongside violence as major obstacles in the development of the country. Timorese women are disproportionately affected by widespread poverty and many live under constant risk of domestic violence. Approx. 59% of women who have been in a relationship have experienced physical and/or sexual violence. This is higher than most countries in South-East Asia.
The project will provide information and skills to women to empower them to enhance their wellbeing, while working with local communities to recognize that women are being marginalized and encouraging them to become more involved in local and household decision making. The project will encourage entrepreneurial thinking and build business skills with the goal of creating better livelihoods while addressing disproportionate economic opportunities for women compared to men.
The capacity development and training program element of the project will target 140 women who are, or wish to be, involved in social enterprise or small businesses. Ten community theatre performances on local market days will engage a wide cross section of men, women, and young people (2,000+ people) building a wider community appreciation of women's involvement in entrepreneurship and decision making as well as spreading violence prevention messaging and socialize information on the project.
