J1171N Hotel School Sunset Inn Timor

The Situation

Violence against women and girls in Timor-Leste is widespread and is one of the biggest challenges that this young nation faces. A total of 59% of women between the ages of 15 and 49 who have been in a relationship have suffered from physical or sexual violence from a male intimate partner. Domestic violence against women is often frequent and severe.

Social acceptance and tolerance of gender-based violence is high in Timor-Leste. 

Despite the political gains, however, life for many - and especially that of women and girls - is both disadvantaged and precarious. Raised for the most part to be obedient and have little to no voice in terms of their own future and rights, Timorese girls are quite often subjugated in general by society at all levels and not least in terms of their sexual and reproductive health.

With just 20 per cent of all women in Timor-Leste participating in the workforce, the situation can only be described as critical, and the numbers of teenage pregnancy and early marriage will only increase.

The Objectives

To promote capacity-building and personal, educational, social and economic development for vulnerable girls and young women living in underdeveloped communities in Timor-Leste, in order to strengthen their autonomy, raise their leadership and increase their employability.