Taking Steps with Grupo Fitun Naroman

The Taking Steps project is about creating small steps for women in rural Timor-Leste. We have a special focus on supporting young women to develop some level of income, to have the opportunity to take on leadership roles and to eventually be able to advocate about issues for young women.

Alin (younger sister) Ermelinda Barros is a member of the Grupo Fitun Naroman (Bright Star) – one of our women’s groups in Covalima in the south of Timor-Leste.  Up till now the group has been focusing on textiles and agriculture. But the sewing machine needs repairs and rain is having an adverse impact on agriculture as Timor-Leste experiences an unseasonal wet season.

Ermelinda had an idea. She has used soft drink cans, bamboo and ribbon to make mobiles for family celebrations. This is a variation on the bamboo leaf mobiles often made in Timor-Leste.  Alin Ermelinda has combined traditional culture with recycling and her own ideas. Let’s hope that the Taking Steps project can support her to gain some income and importantly a sense that her contribution to the Fitun Naroman group  is valued.

Taking Steps to Timor-Leste

IWDA will also be Taking Steps to Timor-Leste - a 10 day trekking challenge to Timor-Leste which offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty, struggles and hopes of the world’s newest nation. You will also spend invaluable time visiting IWDA partner, the Cova Lima Community Centre, and the women IWDA work with to access income and build sustainable livelihoods. Click here to read more and download an information pack.

Tags: Economic Justice

This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 27th, 2010 under East Timor, Recent.