CEDAW SHADOW REPORT

TOT On CEDAW and SHADOW Report Writing Workshop for NGOs

On 6-10 August 2007, Rede Feto in partnership with UNIFEM, conducted a 5- day workshop which was divided into two parts: the first part was the training of trainers on CEDAW for two days; and the second part, a three-day for workshop on the Shadow Report. The participants to this workshop were Rede Feto members who had programmes providing training and education for communities and for IDP camps. In the second part of the workshop, some members of Rede Feto and other stakeholders such as: the Judicial System Monitoring Program (JSMP) and Men Association Against Violence (AMKV) attended the shadow report. The workshop was held at Juvenile Centre in Taibesi, Dili with facilitators from Australia who had vast experience in drafting the Australian Shadow Report.

The aim of the training was to increase/enhance the skills of Timorese NGOs to leading CEDAW-related activities especially trainings It was aimed to enhance the capacity of NGO members to raise awareness and develop their understanding as trainers on CEDAW and also helped develop or expand a long-term pool of resource persons who can conduct trainings and provide technical assistant on CEDAW, both at the local and national levels. The training was also aimed at strengthening the abilities of individuals in conducting trainings. The objectives of the workshop were:

1. To strengthen NGOs knowledge on CEDAW especially on how to lead CEDAW trainings and provide technical assistance on the CEDAW training;
2. To develop more skills amongst women’s activists in order to become resource persons on CEDAW and as CEDAW trainers;
3. To develop their basic skills in shadow report writing; and
4. To strengthen the capacity of NGOs in integrating CEDAW principles into its mandate, organizational processes, systems and practices, programmes and advocacy.

The increased the knowledge and skills of Rede Feto members in facilitating training and understand the process of writing shadow report, increased knowledge about the module on CEDAW training and learnt experiences from other countries such as Australia in writing a shadow report and one how to analyze a CEDAW State report.

Recruitment of a National Coordinator

After some time of recruiting a National Coordinator for the project, Rede Feto decided to award the project to one of its members to lead the implementation with the involvement of other members and stakeholders to participate in the process of consultation and actual writing shadow report. The Women’s Caucus or Caucus: Feto Iha Politica was agreed to be responsible in taking the lead role and coordinate the programme for one year. Rede Feto will monitor the implementation and ensure the program meet the objectives and ensure compliance to the project’s budget as planned. The National Coordinator recruited for the project was Ms. Laura Pina, former Executive Director of Rede Feto in 2003-2005.

Preparation and work planning

The National Coordinator developed a draft work plan for one-year in consultation with UNIFEM, the CEDAW working group and Rede Feto’s Advisor. The work plan focused on the priority activities especially those that were not implemented during the first few months of the project.

Regular Meeting

The Women’s Caucus had conducted 3 regular meetings with the CEDAW working group. The first meeting was held on 31 March involving 13 participants from Rede Feto as members of the working group. The objective of the meeting was to present and the one-year work plan. The work plan was approved by the CEDAW working group. The second working group meeting was held on 15 April at UNTL which involved 5 lecturers from National University of TL, Dili Institute, AKAKOM, Dili University to discuss the possibility of their involvement in the working group and participate in thematic issues that have been chosen. Finally, the third meeting was held on 28 April 28 at the office of Caucus: Feto Iha Politica with 28 participants. The group decided to choose 8 facilitators to be responsible in facilitating the thematic issues such; Group one to discuss articles 1-5 with Ms. Rosa de Sousa, Fokupers Executive Director as facilitator. Group 2 on Violence Against Women to be facilitated by Ms. Maria Barreto, Advocacy Programme Manager of Fokupers and Rede Feto Board member. Group 3 will discuss about education and will be facilitated by Filomena Fuca and Odete Amaral, Coordinator of GFFTL. Group 4 on Health and will be facilitated by Ambrozio from PAS. Group 5 on Livelihood, private sectors and will be facilitated by Fundasaun Alola, Maria Madalena. Group 6 on Marriage and family, culture and will facilitate Dinorah. Group 7 on Justice, Politic and Employment and will be facilitated by Luis and Agnes. Group 8 on Social Services and will facilitate by Mr. Olivio AMKV.

Re-coaching Workshop Activities

In the first meeting, the working groups were concerned about their roles and functions in the implementation of the CEDAW Shadow report. They were confused on how to start the work because there were no meetings to clarify their concerns. Based on the problems, the team decided to conduct a one-day workshop on the review and re-orientation on the roles and functions of each working group. The workshop was facilitated by Ms. Repelita Tambunan, CEDAW-SEAP National Coordinator from UNIFEM, the Rede Feto Advisor and the National Coordinator of the CEDAW Shadow Report project. The workshope ended with the following results: a) the working groups understood their roles such as to collect information or gather data and cases and interview with target group and read and analyze the State Report and write an alternative report on CEDAW. b) decided on 8 thematic issues to focus on and c) worked on a plan to conduct regional consultation in district that will be done in May to June 2008. The first workshop was agreed to be conducted in Dili on 6-7 May which involved the districts of Aileu and Manatuto, the second workshop on 15-16 May in Suai that involved the districts of Same and Ainaro districts, the third workshop on 22-23 May that involved Liquica and 2 other districts Ermera and Bobonaro. The fourth workshop was conducted on 27 to 28 May held in the district of Baucau and that covered the districts of Viqueque and Lospalos. The last regional workshop was held on 4 to 5 June in the district of Oecussi.

Preparations for the regional workshops in the 5 regions

Before conducting the regional workshops, the project staff at the Secretariat of Rede Feto coordinated and lobbied with stakeholders in the districts through the District Laison Officer (DLO) of the NGO Forum, local NGOs and leaders of women’s organizations in the districts, in identifying potential participants to the regional workshops based on the criteria of the Working Group of CEDAW. The TOR and invitation were drafted by the National Coordinator and were distributed to stakeholders in the districts for review.

Conducted regional workshop related to women’s issues

Rede Feto, through its NGO member Caucus: Feto Iha Politica, implemented a regional workshop on that was held on May to June 2008. The workshop provided information on various cases related to women’s issues. The workshop involved NGO members of Rede Feto and other local NGOs in the districts and other civil society organizations. The participants were enthusiastic about the information sharing particularly the topic focused on CEDAW, with some of the participants having heard about it for the first time.

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HUMAN RIGHTS PROMOTION AND GBV PREVENTION

One of the programme of Rede Feto supported by the Government of Finland and Irish Aid is to promote women’s rights and gender equality in school and out-of-school youth and children. With the out- of- school group, Rede Feto through its members FMF, GFFTL and PAS, conducted a training for women of council of villages and husbands and wives in villages in 3 the districts. The total number of participants who undertook the training were 805 from December 2007 until May 2008. The GFFTL conducted training to 231 participants in Baucau district. From the 231, women are 125 and men are 106. PAS conducted training to 367 participants in Dili district. From the 367, men are 180 and women are 187. FMF conducted training to 207 participants in Liquica district. From 207 participants, 100 were women and 107 men. Rede Feto has planed to conduct training to students and teachers on human rights and gender equality in the same three districts.

Meeting with the Minister of Education to integrate of human rights and gender equality into the school curriculum

The Program Officer of human rights and gender equality together with the Executive Director of Rede Feto met with the Minister of Education to discuss the possibility of integrating human rights and gender equality in the curriculum and to conduct training for teachers and students on these topics. It was agreed that Rede Feto and the Minister of Education will sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to implement the programmes in schools in the three pre-selected districts.

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WOMEN’S ASSEMBLY AND EMPOWERMENT

Conducted needs assessment to women’s desk in political parties

The Executive Body of Rede Feto has extended its programme to the empowerment of the women’s assembly or the women’s wings of the political parties in Timor-Leste. The objective of the programme is to ensure that the women’s organization in political parties are able increase their knowledge on the gender perspectives and women’s rights and how they are able to integrate them into their political parties’ policies and internal regulations. Given the importance of the programme, Rede Feto had approached the heads of the political parties at the National Parliament to discuss about the programme, which they have agreed accordingly to the ideas of Rede Feto. In line with this, the Capacity Building Officer of Rede Feto conducted a needs assessment with the women’s organizations in the political parties to discuss their needs and problems and on how Rede Feto can provide the necessary support. Together with representatives of the women’s organizations, we identified the training programes that are needed by them such as gender analysis, women’s rights, leadership skills, public speaking, and on organizational development. Rede Feto has also requested the support of UNIFEM and UNMIT in the conduct of the training.

Training on Gender and Leadership

On the basis of the needs assessment conducted, the Rede Feto Capacity Building Programme provided continued support by conducting a training to 50 participants from women’s organization in political parties such as CNRT, PUN, PSD, ASDT, UNDERTIM and PD. The training was provided in collaboration with UNIFEM, Caucus: Feto Iha Politica and Rede Feto. The participants were very enthusiastic in attending the training because they have gained additional knowledge and skills most especially in encouraging them to be more self confident. They have requested for Rede Feto’s continued support through training.

Training on writing a proposals and reports

The Rede Feto Capacity Building Officer and Advisor conducted a 1-day training on writing proposals to women’s organizations of political parties. The total participants were 15 representing. The participants are currently preparing their proposals for submission to donors and government to support their activities.

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CAPACITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES 2007 – JUNE 2008

Worked towards increased and diversified funding base of the network

Rede Feto and UNIFEM prepared a proposal on Enhancing Women’s Role in Timor-Leste Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Nation Building to the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) to facilitate capacity building interventions for two years. The proposal was submitted to UNDEF in New York in middle of June and was approved to commence in January 2009. Rede Feto received the approval letter from UNDEF New York to support activity in strengthening women capacity in the village councils through NGO members in four districts including Lautem, Viqueque, Ermera and Oecussi for two years. The budget allocation for two years was US$ 275,000.00.

In addition, Rede Feto was requested by other donors such as The Asia Foundation (TAF), HIVOS and AusAID to submit project proposals to them.

On-the job-coaching programme implemented for 5 NGOs

The on going programme for the on job coaching was conducted by the Capacity Building Officer on Programme, Finance and Administrative Management for three NGOs with Human Rights and GBV Programmes. The members would come to the Rede Feto office for two days in a week’s and hold hands-on training with the different officers of the Secretariat. Now, three members NGOs, have improved their operations and are continuously implementing their programmes with the assistance of Executive Body of Rede Feto.

5 programme staff provide technical assistance to member NGOs

The Executive Director, Capacity Building Officer, Administrative Officer and Finance Officer along with two Project Officers; the Human Rights Programme Officer and the Project Officer for the Women’s Committee Project provided technical assistance to the members of Rede Feto. They conducted trainings on strategic planning, management organization, proposal and report writing, donor’s relations, gender analysis, human rights and on-the-job coaching for members of Rede Feto. The Advisor of Rede Feto assisted the Executive Body in training the members of Rede Feto.

Financial monitoring of NGO members conducted by Finance Officer

The Finance Officer of Rede Feto had conducted her regular financial monitoring of the members who were implementing programmes/projects supported by Rede Feto. The Officer ensured that the expenditures of the budget should follow donor’s requirements.

Nine member NGOs have good programme, admin and financial management systems

Out of the 18 NGO members of Rede Feto, 9 members were trained on strategic planning. Six (6) members had undergone training on administrative and financial management. The three members had implemented programme on human rights and GBV for one year.

Three NGO members received financial support from Irish Aid and the Government of Finland

Three NGO members of Rede Feto received financial support from Irish Aid and the Government of Finland to implement human rights and GBV education in three districts such as Baucau, Liquica and Dili. The support covered for the projects to have their own offices, carried out a strategic planning workshop that included discussions on finance and administrative procedures that were installed by the Rede Feto Executive Body through on-the-job coaching and training. The Executive Body and Advisor also assisted the finalization of the strategic plan of Caucus: Feto Iha Politica for three years. They also request funding from Development and Peace (D&P) to support them.

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COMMEMORATION OF INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2008

The annual celebration of the International Women’s Day 2008 with the theme, “ Invest to Children and Women, Invest to Equality“ involved 5 members of Rede Feto that are based in the districts namely; FMF in Liquica, OMT/Finhada in Lautem, GFFTL in Baucau, Hari Aumetan in Dili, Sta. Bakhita in Manatutu, OPMT in Dili ( Metinaro and Hera). Rede Feto, in collaboration with SEPI and other stakeholders, celebrated the day in Dili with several activities as described below. On the other hand, the celebration in the districts went well because it were well participated in by the community leaders and people in the communities were the activities were held. The IWD celebration was aimed for Rede Feto to closely work in partnership with government agencies, in ensuring their programmes in promoting the advancement of women’s rights in the next five years and to ensure that government’s policies and budgets include provisions and/or allocations to women’s rights and gender equality.

1. The activities conducted to celebrate IWD’2008 included a workshop and a television programme over TVTL. The workshop conducted in Dili was conducted by two Rede Feto members, OPMT and Hari Aumetan. OPMT organized a three-day workshop in Metinaro, Hera and Dili on the 10-12 March 2008 that involved representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Trade and Commerce, Ministry of Economy and Development through the Secretary of State for Rural Development, representatives from UNFPA and Pradet. In Metinaro, 28 people attended the 10 March 2008 workshop which was divided into three parts. The first part was presented by the Head of OPMT, Ms. Lourdes Alves, on how to establish and develop women’s economic products in rural areas whilst the second part was about Mental Health (stress and trauma) which was presented by the Executive Director of Pradet. The third and last part of the workshop was about Gender-Based Violence which was facilitated by Ms. Mariquita Soares from OPMT.

The question raised in the workshop was about the community center that was established in 2007 to run small business, but it faced various problems such as limited financial support to buy materials. They asked the government officials present to help them solve the needs of the group to run their small business. Regarding the issues of gender based violence section; the participants agreed that one cause of domestic violence is misinterpretation of the culture. They suggested that we should nurture good values of culture and ignore the bad ones. The second workshop was held in Hera market on March 11, 2008 with 30 participants. The topics discussed were about Gender based Violence and mental health. This was facilitated by the Executive Director of Pradet, Mira Martins and Ms. Marquita Soares, members of OPMT and Representatives of State Secretariat for Rural Development. They talked about what is violence and types of violence, laws that protect women’s rights, organizations that provided services. Government Representative talked about program implementation and budget allocation to advance rural women. They are happy to involve women’s group in program training so that they can develop rural areas. The last section opened for discussion and answers. The third workshop was held in Dili at Xanana Reading Room with 28 participants. The activity was also attended by members of the government, UNFPA representative and Pradet. The topics discussed were Gender Based Violence, mental health, Rural Economic development. The subject for GBV was delivered by Abilio Belo and Maia from SEPI and Mental health was presented by Pradet Representatives and last subject was delivered by Representative of Ministry of Tourism, Trade and Commerce. Regarding to GBV issues, they identified the difference between sex and gender, which included difference of biological, roles, opportunity and access between women and men to any public information. They also identified what is gender based violence and to whom victim of gender based violence should complaint their cases and why domestic violence is considered a crime. The participants seem very enthusiasm to hear from facilitators and asked question whenever they get confuse. The second remark was presented by facilitator from Pradet which specific stress to what is stress and trauma and how to find solution. They also emphasis on why trauma occur and others external factors that affected to trauma. The last section was delivered by representative of ministry of trade and tourism, and her speech focused on the government program in the respective ministry and how they involved women in government programs.

Aumetan Hari’i

The workshop was held on 6 March 2008 at Becusi de Baixo and Romit with a total of 79 participants composed of village leaders, youths and women. The facilitator was a Brazilian sister, who shared about their programme in combating HIV/AIDs in Timor-Leste. The opening remarks or message was delivered by the village head, who welcomed the participants to the workshop and explained how it will enrich their knowledge on health promotion. The committee asked the Ministry of Health to provide information on the National Campaign on Prevention HIV/AIDS but unluckily they were busy that time hence the Brazilian sister was requested instead to provide information on HIV/AIDs. During the workshop, the participants were very interested in this issue because it was the first time for most of them to know about the programme of government, about HIV/AIDS, its effects and how to prevent HIV/AIDS. It was highlighted that in order to prevent the disease, adequate information have to be made available to all people to enable them to understand and work together towards the prevention of any kind of diseases and strengthen coordination between government and the civil society.

District Baucau

The workshop was held on 12 of March 2008 in Venilale sub district. The invited speakers were the ministry of education and state secretariat for rural development but they did not come because one got sick and the other had an emergency meeting in Dili. So, GFFTL invited Ms. Antoneita Rodrigues from a local organization in Baucau and head of sub district. Ms. Antonieta presented the topic of women’s participation in nation building and Gender based violence. There were 42 participants consisted of 10 men and 32 women. The participants came from illiteracy group project of GFFTL who have been their target group since 2002. The questions during the workshop were why only women’s day and not men’s day, why only have women’s convention and not regulate men’s rights, why Men only pay dowry/ barlaque and women do not pay, why husband and wives get divorce, it is considered as a rights to get divorce. Ms. Antonieta responded by saying that international women’s day was approved by UN because of several discrimination that was faced by women in all nation. For example; women were still considered as second class and have limited access to education, health, and others sectors. She also explained the background why UN approved women’s day. She emphasized that the discrimination toward women occurred everywhere including Timor Leste. It is a global issue that international and national institution should prevent it by coming out with policy legislation that promote and protect women’s rights. Regarding the women’s convention, she also emphasized that the constitution RDTL enshrine equality between men and women and previous government and national parliament signed and ratified seven treaties that promote women’s rights including men, women and children.

She also mentioned about the meaning of dowry/barlaque is to value women and established unity between two new families, but the implementation of Barlaque have been contradictory with the original concept. The changing between buffalos and pig and Traditional tais have several meanings. One is to value women’s dignity. In fact, it goes contrary with the original concept. The misinterpretation of the society on Barlaque has brought negative impact to women and it also caused domestic violence. Domestic Violence is considered as a crime and it should be processed in the court. The types of violence are four such as physical, psychological, sexual and economic. She said that the organization who provide assistance and the role and function of head of villages to assist women victim in their villages to seek for assistances.

The activity was ended by the Venilale sub-district head, saying that the information of women’s rights and gender based violence should always be disseminated to the community people for them to become aware of these issues on violence and work with organization that provide assistance to victims of violence including the police in each area. Community will also become aware that the domestic violence is a crime and not private case.

District Manatutu

The workshop was conducted in village Kairui in sub district of Laleia on March 6, 2008. The facilitator was a representative from the Ministry of Economy and Development and Rede Feto Executive Body. The workshop involved 96 participants composed of women 79 and men 17. The opening remark was conducted by the Kairui village head and the following section was delivered by Rep Ministry of Economy and Development. She explained the program of their department and how it related to advance women’s economically. The question raised by the participants was that the government did not pay attention to promote women’s local product such as Tais and weaving. They said that they want to produce more but their product was not valued with money. There is no market to buy local product and government have no policy to regulate local product activity. They asked government to promote local products rather than promote other international product. They asked government to provide them sewing machine to sew clothes for student uniform. They also asked training on management businesses. The Representative said that she will gather all the problems and needs and will present to her ministry to take into consideration of these issues.

The second section was delivered by Executive Director of Rede Feto on Gender Based violence. She explained the definition of gender based violence, its categories, laws that are applicable in promoting and protecting women and victims of GBV and seek for organization who provide assistance. The participants were very keen to know these issues because they thought that in their villages the GBV problems always occur and they only seek for mediation between victim and perpetuators. They also raised issues of divorce and its impact to women and children. According to participants, cases of abandonment always happen in the community and mostly women especially mother should take care of her children and without any assistance from their father. The situation made women vulnerable to any kind of violence and discrimination that occurs in society. Men are married with several women and do not responsibility to their first wives and growing up children. The executive director of Rede Feto answers their questions by explaining the applicable law that regulated the cases. The problems that occur is that the limited human resources in judicial system, regional court only in same districts and impeded the victim to seek for judicial system. She also emphasized that based on law no 5/2004 on local authority stated that one of the council of villages’ responsibility is to assist women victim in their community to seek for the organization that provide assistances. The last was closed by head of village and provide recommendation to Rede Feto to always strengthen and empower rural women so that women can participate in developing their nation.

Liquica District

The one day workshop was held on March 7, 2008 at Salaun Tokodede Liquica. The speakers were State Secretariat for professional training and business (SEFPE) and Abilio Belo from UNFPA. The total participants were 55, composed of 31 women and 24 men. They came from local Ngo, community leaders and youths from the sub-districts of Maubara and Bazartete.

The opening ceremony was delivered by State Secretariat and congratulated the women especially women in Liquica. He stated that the role of women now is to participate in nation building. Women should prepare and be ready to develop our new nation. He also stressed his program in his department to advance women’s rights. But he said he will elaborate in his coming section. The second speech was vice administrator of district Liquica and congratulated women in Liquica because of their contribution in process of development. She said that as women in council of village made important role because they should ensure the developing of their villages. She said that because of important role of women in nation building, she opened this workshop.

The second section was delivered by State Secretariat with topic to increase fund for education and training to develop women and children in rural area. He said that this government has commitment to advance women’s rights and established one department on gender equality.

He stressed that education is an important aspect to develop women’s to participate in nation building. Government has committed to provide free education and encourage women to enter high education such as university degree including master and PhD degree. He said that in the past, because of patriarchal system, family usually allowed men to get high education and ignore women’s as a human being who also have the same rights as men and what the consequences are. We see the gap between men who has high education is very high compare with women, men occupied decision making in all levels. He said that our time is different, we should change our patriarchal system that impede women’s life and limited women to get access to any information and training and other public services.

The second speaker is Mr. Abilio Belo from UNFPA on Gender Based Violence in Timor Leste. He started explaining the type of violence and categories into four such as physic, psychology, sexual and economic. And than the session open to question and answers. The participants interested in ask question on economic problems that was faced by families and it will create violence toward vulnerable people who live in one house. Others question about the misinterpretation of women’ rights that place women to be as men has. There are sexual violence cases that appeared in community but to bring to process in court are very slowly and make people do not bring their cases to court.

He answered the question by saying that domestic work should not only women who will do it but also men to contribute and finalize the work because if we only wait for women to do for us as men, we will burden her with a lot of works. And if she gets ill, who can replace her to do it. So we should share the domestic work to minimize women’s work at home.

The second question, he answered by referring to articles 17 in Constitution of Timor Leste that stated that equality between women and men. It means that equality of rights and not said that women should become as men. But women should have their rights as men have. One example, we can see 30 % quato for women in National Parliament. He also said that to reduce the violence toward women, we should work together from every aspect to combat it. In our society, we should raise awareness among people that violence against women is considered crime and society should assist the victim and bring to organization that provide assistance.

The last activity was growing plan near the river. It involved eleven representatives from ministry of agriculture, 25 students, 25 community leaders, participants of the workshops and community who live near the river.

Lautem District

Two day workshops were held in Lautem district which took place in center capital on 8 of March and one in Home village of Lautem sub district on 12 of March 2008. The total participants for the first workshop were 55 and the second workshop were 47 which came from local government representatives, members of PNTL, UNPOL, and heads of community, local NGOs, students, Gender Vocal point, and women representatives. The opening remark was conducted by head of district administrator which said that this day is important for Timorese women because our history has shown us that women’s contribution to our struggle for independence are very essential and it should follow by our young generation. Even our current situation is different but we should try to see the experiences and united of people of Timor Leste to fight for independence. He also stated that as a Timorese, we should work hard and unite to develop our new born country that faced a lot of obstacles in developing the country in the future.

After the opening remarks, the coordinator of FINHADA presented about the history of the International women’s day and focused her speech on the national topic. She also mentioned about GBV issues. She explained the definition of GBV and types of violence and identified organization that supports victim of gender based violence. The participants raised question about the important of public education on ending violence toward women, and it should do continuously in every sectors in all districts. They also suggested integrating gender based violence issues in school curriculum to valorize democracy and human dignity principles.

National Celebration

Rede Feto members were also involved in the national events that was organized by SEPI in collaboration with NGOs and other UN agencies including UNIFEM, UNFPA, etc. Rede Feto members brought their local products such as: tais, baskets and others souvenir items to the cultural night activities. The participants expressed their sincerest gratitude to the organizing committee because many people had appreciated and purchased from their products.

Television programme through TVTL

Rede Feto also invited its partners such as LUTA HAMUTUK and SEPI to participate in a TVTL Talk Show programme. They focused their messages on the year’s theme “Invest to children and women, Invest to equality”. Also tackled during the discussions were on gender mainstreaming policies and government’s allocation of budget that should take into account women and children. Luta Hamutuk stated that the total budget allocation to SEPI for the year 2008 is very small that support could not even reach the rural areas. H.E. Ms. Idelta Rodrigues, the State Secretary at SEPI stated that government adopts gender mainstreaming policies and thus allocated for this year, budget for the development of women and children in every sector in all line government ministries.

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ADVOCACY PROGRAMME ACTIVITIES 2007- JUNE 2008

One-day workshop on the preparation for the Third National Women’s Congress

Rede Feto conducted a one-day workshop with its members to discuss about the roles and functions of its members in preparing for the district conferences in the 13 districts and the 3-day Third National Women’s Congress (NWC) in Dili. As decided during the workshop, the members who will compose the organizing committee will include FKSH, OPMT, APSC-TL, Alola Foundation, Fokupers and ET-WAVE. The organizing committee will be responsible in helping and ensuring that activities for the NWC are well-designed, organized and understood by all the members of the Committee. The workshop was held at Audian Hotel which was facilitated by the Rede Feto Advisor with 22 Rede Feto members as participants.

Lobby with donors to support the congress

After preparing the NWC proposal, the Executive Body and Advisor of Rede Feto conducted meetings with donors who could possibly provide support to the Third National Women’s Congress. During two and half months, Rede Feto received confirmation for funding from the Royal Norway Embassy Section, GTZ, UNIFEM, UNFPA, Caritas Australia, Trocair, the Government of RDTL through SEPI, Irish Aid, Oxfam Australia, the Asia Foundation. The Executive Director of APSC-TL also helped the Executive Body of Rede Feto to look for funding by contacting a friend from Australia such as the Blue Mountain Sisters and ETWA to support the conference.

Regular meeting on the preparation and drafting internal regulation on district and national congress.

The NWC Organizing Committee conducted weekly meetings to discuss about all the necessary preparations for the district conferences including the regulation for the district conference, the activities for the 3-day district conference, its theme, the speakers and the Advisors who should provide support to Rede Feto in the preparation for the district conferences, analyze results, prepare for the final 3-day national congress and review of the final draft report of the NWC and other relevant issues. The meetings also discussed problems and difficulties encountered by the NWC Organizing Committee and other members of the team and discuss ways on how to resolve them.

Selection of Advisors to assist in analyzing and finalizing results of district conferences and the NWC

Having realized the need for support to analyze the results of the Platform Of Action (POA) from the Second National Women’s Congress and the new issues and recommendations, the NWC Organizing Committee identified several Advisors to compose the team. Rede Feto recommended for the Advisors to come from the SEPI, the National Parliament, a representative from the government line ministries and UNIFEM. These offices were represented by Ms. Monica Costa, Gender Advisor to SEPI, Ms. Endah Agustiana, Gender Advisor of UNDP at the National Parliament, Ms. Kanchan Lama, Gender Advisor at the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAP) and Ms. Dianne D. Arboleda, Programme Manager of UNIFEM. The Advisors agreed and committed themselves to provide the necessary support to the Rede Feto NWC Organizing Committee and team.

TOT on Facilitation

Before the conduct of the district conferences, Rede Feto organized a five-day workshop held on 30 April 30 – 4 May 2008 to discuss about the guidelines in facilitating the conferences in the 13 districts. The workshop was attended by 30 participants representing members of Rede Feto such as APSC-TL, Alola Foundation, FKSH, FOKUPERS, FMF, GFFTL, Caucus: Feto Iha Politica, OMT, OPMT and Sta. Bakhita. The workshop enabled the members to understand the objectives of the district conference, processes and techniques in facilitating the conference with the support of at least 20 local facilitators who will be identified in collaboration with the Rede Feto members responsible for the district conferences. A module for facilitators was likewise developed to ensure that national and local facilitators were able to follow the guidelines vis-à-vis set objectives. The 5-day TOT was facilitated by Mr. Alex Gusmao from Timor Aid, a national NGO. The participants appreciated the inputs provided by the facilitator as he introduced more enriching and innovative methods and techniques on facilitation.

Two days workshop on the orientation of national facilitators for the district conferences

After the 5-day TOT, the NWC Organizing Committee of Rede Feto conducted a follow-up orientation and practicum with the national facilitators to prepare them for the conferences in the 13 districts. The follow-up orientation and practicum was held on 12-13 May 2008 at ETDA. The NWC Organizing Committee reviewed the conference module for facilitations and provided the necessary feedback to all facilitators and facilitating members of the Rede Feto team. After the workshop, the national facilitators from each member NGO of Rede Feto proceeded to their respective district of assignment and trained 20 local facilitators who will be part of the district team for the NWC district conferences.

Lobby with Ministries and State Secretariats to participate in the district conferences

The NWC Organizing Committee and Rede Feto Executive Body conducted a meeting with partners at the Ministries and State Secretariats that were pre-selected by the committee. Most of the Ministers and State Secretaries indicated their commitment to participate in the district conferences.

Conducted pre-NWC conferences in 13 districts

From 9 to 27 June, 2008, Rede Feto with its members conducted pre-NWC conferences in all 13 districts of Timor-Leste. For the first round, it were the Alola Foundation in the district of Manufahi on 9-11 June, OMT in Aileu on 9-11 June, OPMT in Oecussi on 9-11 June 2008 that organized and coordinated the district conferences. The second round was by Caucus: Feto Iha Politica in Ainaro on 11-13 June, FKSH in Ermera on 11-13 June and APSC-TL in Maliana on 10-12 June. The third part was by FMF in Liquica on 17-19 June, OPMT in Baucau and Viqueque on 18-20 June, PAS in Lospalos on 19-21 June, APSCTL in Suai on 23-25 June and PAS in Dili on 25-27 June 2008. The participants from each district were around 100-150 based on the number of sub-districts and villages of the 13 districts.

The objectives of districts conferences were: a) to assess the achievement of the 2^nd National Women’s Congress; b) to gather new women’s issues and concerns; c) to ensure that the stakeholders are committed in the implementation of the 3^rd POA; and d) to establish a monitoring group that will ensure the POA is implemented as planned.

The district conferences, first of its kind since the National Women’s Congress was initiated in 2000 (former conferences were held in regions), were successfully conducted in the 13 districts with the team of national and local facilitators. It was an important event that gathered women who revisited and shared their different experiences and issues/concerns affecting them. For most of the women delegates to the district conferences, it was a rewarding occasion for them to meet other women leaders again, discuss the issues and problems that affect them and agree on solutions to resolve them. They all agreed that holding the NWC every after 4 years

Organized TVTL coverage of NWC district conferences

The Information and Communication Officer of Rede Feto worked closely with a TVTL Officer in carrying out the video documentation of Rede Feto’s activities related to the NWC especially the district conferences and the 3^rd National Women’s Congress to be held on September 2008. The TVTL coverage is aimed to promote Rede Feto’s activities, its impact to women, and broadcast the realities of women’s situations in the districts through the discussions and sharing of the problems and needs that affect them especially those in remote areas to ensure government’s support through programmes and budget allocation.

Preparations for the Third National Women’s Congress

The NWC Organizing Committee conducted several meetings in preparation for NWC that will be held on 10-12 September (earlier scheduled for 23-25 July 2008 but postponed). The team also lobbied for President of RDTL, H.E. Jose Ramos-Horta and the Prime Minister, H.E. Ray Kala Xanana Gusmao to participate during the NWC.

Meeting with Prime Minister or RDTL

The Executive Body and members of the Board of Rede Feto and the Director of FKSH met with Prime Minister of RDTL to invite him to the opening ceremony of the Third NWC on July 2008. Rede Feto also thanked the Mr. Prime Minister for his attendance during the district conference in Bobonaro along with other members of government. The meeting was broadcasted on TVTL.

Comment on martial arts law

On April 2008, Rede Feto was invited to provide comments on the draft Martial Arts Law at the National Parliament. Before comments were provided, the Executive Body conducted a meeting with the Advocacy Working Group to discuss the gender perspective of the law. The Executive Director represented Rede Feto at the National Parliament in the discussion about the law. The National Parliament, through Commission H appreciated Rede Feto’s comments and agreed to review them. The law was discussed by the National Parliament and is currently waiting for approval.

Comments on the policy paper on the draft New Penal Code

The Advocacy Working Group of Rede Feto conducted a meeting to discuss its comments on the policy paper of the New Penal Code. It has requested the National Parliament to allow government to draft the new penal code for Timor-Leste considering the available human and financial resources that it has to review said important law. Rede Feto requested the government to consider the importance of consultation with the civil society on the Penal Code considering its value towards regulating and preserving human lives.

Reviewed some items of the draft Law on Domestic Violence

The Advocacy Team of Rede Feto conducted regular meetings to discuss the draft law of Domestic Violence. Rede Feto worked closely with other NGOs such as JSMP, PRADET, the media and other government agencies to discuss and review comments on the draft domestic violence law that considers it as a public crime and in describing some responsibilities of Government after its approval. The team also met with the Minister of Justice and State Secretary at SEPI to discuss the possibility of conducting a one-day national consultation to discuss the issues. The Minister agreed and the team will organize the workshop by first week of July 2008.

Comments on the decision to stop/capture operations in bars, restaurants and hotels in Dili by the Police

Rede Feto with the Gender Affairs Unit of UNMIT, questioned the objectives of the operations of PNTL on bars and restaurants in Dili capital which resulted for foreigners who have the required official visa to be held to their work in said bars and restaurants. Rede Feto and UNMIT viewed the decision and action as unfair and requested for PNTL to stop said operation.

Discussions on the involvement of a priest in an abandonment case

The Working Group on Advocacy also worked with other NGOs regarding the involvement of a priest in an abandonment case that caused the victim’s pregnancy and the priest did not take any responsibility over the girl and her baby. The church only decided to remove the priest from the parish where he was based and transferred to another parish. The family of the victim was asked to withdraw the case from the court and a mediation process was conducted to resolve the case. Rede Feto viewed the decision as very discriminatory towards the victim because there was no form of responsibility by the perpetrator and it was so easily settled. It was realized that this situation can always happen considering that women have limited access to information particularly on the judicial system in the country. Rede Feto, through its member Fokupers, is still in the process of looking for any others cases where women in Timor-Leste do not want to speak up and at the same follow-up and request the church to come out with a policy to give sanctions to priests who are involved in similar cases that discriminates and abuse women.

Press conference on sexual violence that involved a high school teacher in Dili

The Advocacy Working Group of Rede Feto conducted a press conference on a case of sexual violence involving a high school teacher in Dili. A follow-up of the case was done and relevant sectors were requested to respond immediately to the case. The case has brought one member of the National Parliament blaming the student victim because she would wear mini skirts in school that allegedly provoked the sexual assault. Rede Feto directly responded to the situation to inform and educate the community or parties involved not to immediately blame the victim but to investigate the case and establish how best it should be resolved.

Attended one-day workshop on Gender and Land Rights

SEPI and USAID worked closely to provide information on gender, land rights and the law to be integrated into the civil law that will be drafted by the Ministry of Justice. As a result, the one-day workshop was able to set up a working group to discuss about issues on land rights and ensure how they will be integrated into civil law. The workshop was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Justice, civil society and other international agencies.

Commemoration of International Women’s Day 2008

The annual celebration of the International Women’s Day involved 5 members of Rede Feto that are based in the districts namely; FMF in Liquica, OMT/Finhada in Lautem, GFFTL in Baucau, Hari Aumetan in Dili, Sta. Bakhita in Manatutu, OPMT in Dili ( Metinaro and Hera). Rede Feto, in collaboration with SEPI and other stakeholders, celebrated the day in Dili with several activities as described below. On the other hand, the celebration in the districts went well because it were well participated in by the community leaders and people in the communities were the activities were held. More…………………..

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HUMANITARIAN PROGRAMME

Shelter construction

During the crisis in 2006, Rede Feto took a lead role to coordinate humanitarian activities for IDP camps in Dili and in the districts. The members were involved in organizing and establishing shelters in the IDP camps. Rede Feto also worked with 2 engineers, 3 electricians and 50 workers in the construction works that was technically supervised by engineers of UNHCR. Rede Feto was specifically involved in the site survey that was a requirement before the setting up of tents, installation of electricity, construction of kitchen and latrine.

Non-Food Items Distribution

Rede Feto members also took a lead role in the distribution of non-food items (NFI) such as tents, stoves and plastic sheetings. This work was carried out together with UNHCR.

Camp management at the Dili football stadium and airport

Rede Feto members were also assigned at the Dili airport and football stadium to ensure that the needs of IDPs were responded by the team. They also coordinated with camp teams to identify the needs in coordination with the designated NFI and Construction Coordinator. They also monitored the construction process and needs, IDPs registration, categorization of tents according to blocks and numbers and the preparation of forms to support various activities in collaboration with UNICEF, IOM and UNHCR. Also conducted was socialization of the new IDPs at the IDP camps.

GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE (GBV) PREVENTION PROGRAMME IN IDP CAMPS

The activity on gender-based violence (GBV) was aimed at preventing and monitoring GBV cases in IDP camps. The activity commenced on 12 June to 31 October 2006. The project was implemented by Rede Feto members and stakeholders such as the OPE, Pradet Timor-Leste, Oxfam Australia and the Association of Men Association Against Violence (AMKV). The objectives of this project was to conduct an initial GBV assessment in the IDP camps, to conduct GBV awareness raising/training for key actors such as the police/legal personnel providing support to IDPs in the camps, to work with key counterparts to ensure that facilities in each IDP camp e.g. that sanitation and shelter facilities were gender sensitive, to build up the existing referral network in Timor-Leste to ensure that IDPs who were victims of GBV had proper access to counseling, legal and other services and to collaborate with key counterparts in the establishment of a database on the incidence of GBV cases in IDP camps.

Before the actual implementation of the project on GBV, the 12 facilitators conducted a needs assessment to know the problems and needs of the IDPs in the 56 camps in Dili, Hera, Metinaro and Ermera. From the rapid assessment, it was found out that GBV was not reported as an important case by IDPs but the condition of tents and the environment in IDP camps were conducive to GBV-related cases to happen considering that there are two to three families staying in one tent. There are no private spaces in some tents in IDPs, there is lack of latrines and supply of clean water, food distribution was reported to be unequally distributed, several wives and husbands were separated because of the problem “east and west” regional conflict. The IDPs were worried to send their children to school because there was a case of violence to one student when he left the camp to take up his examination. There was no security measures existing in the villages and hamlets that situations that are possibly expected to happen to happen would traumatize children.

The facilitators also distributed and discussed with IDPs advocacy materials such as stickers, comic booklets on CEDAW and Timor-Leste’s legislation on women’s rights in Tetum including copies of the UN Security Resolution 1325 that were provided by UNIFEM and OPE. The facilitators also discussed GBV prevention measures in IDP camps. The Rede Feto facilitators were divided into teams of two as they go for their activities in the camps with each team responsible of two IDP camps. In the advocacy activities of the facilitators, the number of participants was higher than the initial target of 12-15 persons per session. The sessions consisted of three modules specifically designed for: 1) women’s groups; 2) men’s and women’s groups; and 3) combination of groups 1 and 2.

The GBV working group also attended the coordination meeting held at the Ministry of Solidarity and Community Re-insertion (now the Ministry of Social Solidarity) with the aim of discussing needs and problems of the IDPs in relation to GBV. In addition, Rede Feto collaborated with two cultural groups from Theatre Buka Hatene and Hadomi Foundation that performed theatre and musical presentations to the 16 IDP camps in Dili and Metinaro. The objective of the community theatre presentations were to reflect and describe possible ways of responding to the needs of women and men in IDP camps, to reduce trauma and as much as possible, to provide a moment of tranquility, harmony and peace to the women and men in IDP camps. The presentations were at the same time aimed at sensitizing the IDPs on issues related to GBV and on how to deal with them in IDP camps.

MATERNITY WAITING CAMPS (MWC) FOR IDP PREGNANT WOMEN

The maternity waiting camps (MWC) for pregnant women in IDPs project was aimed at reducing maternal and neo-natal mortality among IDPs. The activity was implemented from 12 June to 30 September 2006. The project was implemented by Rede Feto through its member organizations and other stakeholders in partnership with the Ministry of Health and UNFPA. The objective of the MWC project in Dili was for pregnant women to improve access to comprehensive obstetric services and increase knowledge of IDP women regarding pregnancy, on taking care of newborn children, and the provision of Hygienic Kits to IDP pregnant women. Other components of this project included the establishment of shelters, distribution of non-food and food items, women hygienic kits, health promotion and monitoring and evaluation of project-related activities. In three months time, the project team managed to provide assistance to 207 pregnant women and their close family members from Hera and Metinaro IDP camps to the MWC. The mobile ANC/PNC clinic provided the project team’s names and location of women eligible for transfer to the MWC.

After two weeks of post-natal period, the women were transferred back to their camps of origin with their close family members. The project team collaborated with UN agencies and other international and national NGOs as well as the Ministry of Solidarity and Community Re-insertion in providing food and non-food items to pregnant women upon arrival at the MWC. UNFPA also provided 660 kits for pregnant women. The project team, in collaboration with UNFPA and Alola Foundation, conducted orientation sessions on the importance of the kits to pregnant women. The project team also collaborated with hospital nurses and Young Health organizations to provide education and counseling to pregnant women about the danger signs of pregnancy and delivery, importance of attendance of birth by skilled attendants, essential newborn care including early immunization and breastfeeding and benefit of birth spacing and balanced nutrition to bring about behavioral changes regarding safe motherhood. Rede Feto also conducted monitoring and evaluation to establish the effectiveness and efficiency of the services and the functioning of the Maternity Waiting Camp.

WOMEN’S COMMITTEE PROGRAMME

The crisis that occurred in 2006 resulted in thousands of people fleeing to their districts or finding refuge in convents, churches and other places, such as airports and in front of embassies, turning these places into IDP camps. People living in these conditions faced many problems, such as poor health and sanitary conditions. The condition of women and children were the most vulnerable ones, especially in regards to diseases and exposure to violence and abuse. Based on the ongoing crisis and the results of the first GBV activities and assessments conducted in 2006, Rede Feto decided to organize women committees. In this way, it was aimed to create a safe space for women to voice their problems and find solutions, to empower women to solve problems in cooperation with men and participate in decision making processes relating to conflict resolution, prevention and reintegration.

The project was implemented in eight IDP camps, namely Metinaro, Tibar, Obrigada Barak, Don Bosco, Jardin, Cional, HNGV, Seminario Maior. A facilitators’ team was formed which was composed of 12 members of Rede Feto: CAUCUS, FMF, St. Bakhita, Et-Wave, AMST and other organization such as JSMP, PRADET, AMKV, RMDH. The results of the project were having the women in IDP camps to express their needs and problems where the SLS and Camp Manager were involved, GBVI was raised as a priority problem during the regular meetings, and members of the Women’s Committees developed their skills in providing assistance to women in IDP camps.

During project implementation, there were also challenges and lessons learned which are very useful for similar for future projects. One of the main challenges was the fact that communities in IDP camps regarded Rede Feto as an organization that will change women’s mentality and with the growing fear that women may turn against their husbands and families’, especially during the elections period. The Women’s Committees were also considered a threat for camp hierarchy, with camp managers fearing that the Women’s Committee will take over their role in the camp. On the other hand, some members of the Women’s Committee thought that by involving themselves in the activities of the women’s committee activities would enable them to receive money and goods. It was earlier thought that correcting this perception of the women would hamper the women’s full participation in meetings and may influence their friends not to participate in meetings unless they are able to receive some incentives or in kind payments like goods. On the contrary, after the women were able to see tangible results on the progress made by the women’s committees through active participation of women in various meetings with government officials, workshops and conferences, they were more attracted and convinced to participate.

As support were continuously provided to the IDPs, the majority of them do not agree to return to their villages or houses due to fear over further possible threats and attacks that may occur any time and to lack of necessary shelter especially amongst those whose houses were destroyed. This is despite the fact that means of transportation to bring them back to their original villages and government’s plan to allocate IDP at temporary shelter will be provided as explained conducted by government officials at MTCR and UN agencies in several meetings with the IDPs. However, the IDPs in camps still do not agree to go back to their original villages. The disagreement appears to be a common consensus of the IDPs due to lack of government’s commitment to resolve their problems and unclear government decisions to reallocate IDPs accordingly. For example, one of the requirements of the IDPs is to maintain security in their villages but government was still not able to fulfill the request as coordinated by the IDPs the UN Police authorities. In fact, the government even offered two options to the IDPs to choose from, for example, reintegrating to their original villages or to place then in a temporary shelter that has been prepared by the government. In addition, government will not force those who want to continue to stay in the IDP camps. The decision of the government makes women’s committee, particularly women in IDP camps felt that they prefer to go back to their own villages because living in IDP camps for almost one and half month limited their movement, their access to information and many aspects that constrained their life. Moreover, their children’s education is affected. Fears and suspension continue to affect their lives especially during the election period, because some IDPs have confessed that they are forced to stay by some political elites in these IDP camps so that these elites can use them for “political bargaining”. The ongoing discussion between IDPs and new government should prioritize the issue of the returning all IDPs to their villages or reallocating to temporary shelters. In some IDP camps, the functions of camp management only relate to the distribution of food and non food items. The women committees should conduct regular meetings with the structure of the camp management to ensure that camp manager always conduct regular meeting to discuss about problems and needs of the IDP camps and find solution to resolve these problems. Another challenge that Women Committees in IDP camps are facing is that even though they obtained more information on gender based violence through trainings and workshops, but some of the women still became victim of gender based violence. Men still show their power to control their wives and treat their wives whatever they like. In one IDP camps, women victim of domestic violence complained that she had divorced from her husband because her husband brought his partner to live together with them in one IDP camp. This case has being reported to police and Fokupers. To reduce the tension of violence which always involved men as perpetrators, it should involve men in an intensive discussions and trainings so that they will gradually change their behaviors and mentalities. The other problems were some political party members used IDP camps to mobilize members and to threaten people who are from different political parties for their own political objectives. According to some women Committee in different IDP camps said that their IDPs were used by some political parties to vote for their political parties and reach “bargaining power” during the election campaign. They even said that, some political parties provided money and things to cook for the people who organize campaign. One coordinator of Women Committee as quoted by saying: “…during the campaign there were some strange people who entered and stayed in IDP camp and caused disturbances both in the IDP camp and outside the camp, especially within and after they caused troubles with people out side near the camp…...”. They escaped to their districts. Women’s Committee raised these problems with camp manager and SLS because they are often being accused as the trouble makers by the outsiders in the IDP camp. Besides this, the problems of the different political parties also affect Women Committee. Women feel they have different principles which will affect their relation with the others. The Women’s Committee also conducts civic education which involves facilitators from Rede Feto to raise their awareness on democratic system. It is very important to increase awareness of people of democracy and human rights so that they will understands and implement in their daily life and they will avoid from any agitation by any political parties.

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WOMEN RIGHTS PROGRAMME

The project on Human Rights is aimed to promote women’s rights amongst the women NGOs and rural women at the districts as part of their rights as human beings under the universal law. The project also covers the promotion on how the law can protect them. The total budget for this project is US$ 10,262.85 and implemented by three members of Rede Feto namely; APSC-TL, GFFTL and FMF in the districts of Aileu, Baucau and Liquica.

The project commenced on 16 November 2006 to February 2007 with the following objectives; a) to develop capacity of NGOs on women’s rights which is guaranteed in the laws of RDTL; and b) to disseminate information on women’s rights which is guaranteed in the laws of RDTL to rural women. Before implementing the activity, the Rede Feto Executive Body conducted three planning meetings with the proposed implementing NGO members of Rede Feto. The result of these meeting was a clear definition of the functions and responsibilities of the three NGOs and Rede Feto Executive Body. Specifically, the Rede Feto Executive Body will be responsible of the overall supervision of the project whilst APSC-TL takes the lead role in the implementation in partnership with FMF and GFTTL. Apart from this, it was decided to conduct 9 workshops in each of the three districts.

Training of Trainers (TOT)

Rede Feto executive body conducted a one-day Trainers of Training (TOT) on human rights and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) for the three NGO-members under the Women’s Rights Project facilitated by a resource person from the Office of Human Rights of government. The discussion was focused on human rights in relation to CEDAW and guidelines on how to facilitate the same training at the village level. The workshop was conducted at the office of Rede Feto with 10 participants; 6 from implementing NGOs and 4 staff members of Rede Feto from the Executive Body. One important issue that was raised during the workshop was on victims of rape cases who finds out that that they were pregnant and decided to undergo abortion – are they considered as a human rights violation or not? This issue was not responded by the resource person but offered to have a further discussion at the Human Rights of United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) and will inform Rede Feto about the answer.

Prepared a training module on human rights

The Capacity Building Officer of Rede Feto adapted a training module on human rights training based on the TOT module of the Office of Human Rights of government. The module covers the four human rights basic principles; human rights being universal, inherence, inviolate and indecisive, and the definition and history of human rights, the seven treaties signed and ratified by RDTL. The module has been printed and distributed to three members NGOs implementing the project n the villages or sucos.

Conducted 2 Workshops in the district of Aileu

On 9-10 January, APCS-TL conducted a two-day workshop in Kotolao village, at Laulara sub- district in the district of Aileu. The total participants were 36 female representing four hamlets or aldeias of Ramelau, Binana, Ornay and Kotolau. The training was formally opened by the sub-district administrator and the Executive Director of Rede Feto.

During the workshop, the participants were very active and 85% of them were able to understand about human rights and women’s rights. The women requested to involve men in the conduct of the same workshop so that both women and men are able to understand their rights to ensure that the problems of the women are resolved. They explained that oftentimes, there encounter problems when they want to participate in politics and decision making with their husbands; fathers and brothers will not allow them. They will just follow the decisions of their husbands and families because they were not aware of women’s rights. The second workshop was conducted on 11-12 January at Talito village, sub-district of Laulara in the same district. There was a total of 36 female participants representing the aldeias of Talitu and Casmaututo. The participants were very interested on human rights with focus on women’s rights. The discussions had enriched their knowledge in human rights and how it affected and helped them. They requested to continue similar activities in their hamlets because they need more information considering the very strong patriarchal system in the country and to reach out to more women. Moreover, they raised their problems related to lack of electric facilities in their hamlets and most of ther children suffer from respiratory via acuter (ISPA) due to the gasoline they use to provide them light in the evenings. Apart from this, they also recommended for Rede Feto to lobby at the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAP) the need to provide them with seeds to grow in their lands.

Published a brochure on human rights and CEDAW

The APSC-TL designed a brochure on human rights and CEDAW. The 750 copies of the brochure were distributed to Rede Feto NGO-members, stakeholders and communities in the rural areas.

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