Challenge for Change in Timor-Leste

Travelling in Timor-Leste is a challenge at the best of times but nine intrepid IWDA supporters were undaunted and were rewarded with a first hand understanding of how IWDA’s Taking Steps program is working with women’s groups to build micro-businesses in rural Timor-Leste.

The 2011 Challenge for Change ‘Taking Steps to Timor-Leste’ offered IWDA supporters and Timorese women a unique opportunity to meet, share stories and forge personal connections. Nine IWDA participants including IWDA President Mary Hawkins travelled to Timor-Leste for 10 days to visit two project partners and learn more about Timor-Leste.

After a short class on the basics of the Tetum language, the women began their trip by travelling from Dili to Maliana, where they visited IWDA partner Organisasi Haburas Moris (“Develop Life”). Haburas Moris is a woman-led NGO that works with women and their communities to support community development. There the IWDA group was introduced to two women’s groups who made fuel-efficient stoves and snacks which are sold to local markets.

From there, the Challenge for Change participants travelled along unforgettable roads in 4-wheel drive vehicles to the Marobo hot springs, before returning to their vehicles for the bumpy trip to Suai where they were given a traditional welcome at the Covalima Community Centre (IWDA’s Taking Steps project partner). The IWDA group met with several women’s groups who run micro business enterprises in the community and gained a better understanding of the importance that economic empowerment programs can have for women in Suai.

The group then headed north to Atsabe, where they enjoyed a challenging two day trek to the summit of Mount Ramelau, the highest mountain in Timor-Leste. After reaching the peak and enjoying the spectacular views they trekked back down to Hato Builiko and the waiting vehicles to continue on to Maubisse.

On their way back to Dili, the partoc visited the Kelebah Cooperative, where they were shown demonstrations of food preparation and taught to weave ketupa rice baskets.

The chance for supporters and IWDA partners to meet and socialise provided a unique insight into the partnerships that form the bedrock of IWDA’s work. IWDA would like to thank the women who travelled to Timor for their enthusiasm and dedication, as well as the partners in Timor for their wonderful hospitality.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 5th, 2011 under Challenge for Change, East Timor, Recent.