East Timor Young Women’s Association: GFFTL

In a country where 64% of women are illiterate, education is only the starting point to a better life. While illiteracy is also an issue among East Timorese men (49%); women are less likely to have access to information about health, citizenahip issues and basic human rights.

During their fight for independence, East Timorese cried ‘Liberta Nasaun, Liberta Povu! (Liberate the land, Liberate the people). Rosa Xavier, Executive Director for East Timor Young Women’s Association (GFFTL) realised this cry was for men. In the old East Timor, most women were not given the opportunity to learn basic reading and writing skills. Illiteracy means this pattern continues, as women cannot translate their country’s freedom into meaningful change in their lives. Women like Rosa Xavier want to change all that. The East Timor Young Women’s Association (GFFTL) strives to give women the power over their lives and participate in rebuilding their nation. Literacy is only the first step, “It is not enough that women learn basic literacy, they must also know how to use it, to make sure they are properly represented in the newly independent East Timor”, says Rosa. IWDA is supporting GFFTL to working with women to increase their meaningful participation in community life.

GFFTL is providing training and education to women in East Timor. Classes, held three times a week, enable women in four project locations in the east of East Timor to come together and learn basic literacy skills and share information about their lives.

On a recent visit to Australia, Rosa expressed her gratitude to IWDA supporters but added that “Women in East Timor still need your help to develop their skills and abilities. We need to liberate women from all forms of discrimination and violence, and make sure women have access to every part of life. We must work together to make sure women take a central role in developing our beloved nation’ – Rosa Xavier, Coordinator, GFFTL, East Timor

Who says women can’t run East Timor?

East Timor Young Women’s Association (GFFTL) was initially part of the Women’s Solidarity Council. Recognized as an independent non-government organisation (NGO) in 2001, it is composed of East Timorese women who are determined to give women the means to be proactive in the development of their communities.

East Timor Young Women’s Association (GFFTL), through the support of IWDA, established the Women’s Literacy and Empowerment project in 2004. The program delivers literacy training to 60 women in two districts: Los Palos and Baucau.

The Women’s Literacy and Empowerment project aims to achieve the following:

1. To strengthen women’s capacity for engagement in public and community life in East Timor, through a program of Literacy campaign and Social training;
2. Deliver information about important issues to the four communities;
3. Help the four communities to know their rights and responsibilities as citizens through the social training program.

GFFTL Project info sheet Download

This entry was posted on Sunday, January 1st, 2006 under East Timor.