Improving the Lives of Women Survivors in Timor-Leste

Researchers: Celestina de Almeida, Anina Gonçalves, Maria Fatima Sara R. Afonso, Sergia Aida Santina Fatima, Sancho da Costa Fernandes, Ana de Vasconseilos, Naroman de Oliveira, Merita Manuela de Araujo, Umbelina Amaral Soares.

Focal Points: Olinda Alves, Nelson Roldão Xavier, Pasquela R. Amaral, Herminia Tom

The research report “Improving the lives of Women Survivors in Timor-Leste” was launched in 2019 by NGO Asosiasaun Chega! Ba ita (ACbit) and comes at a time where there is urgent attention needed to address the current situation of women survivors of past violence during the Indonesian occupation, and from domestic violence in the present. The research report provides an insight into the lives of 77 women survivors across three municipalities, Baucau, Covalima and Ouecusse; and shows results from Participatory Action Research (PAR) that many women survivors remain vulnerable because of existing inequalities, such as limited access to social assistance, information, and their rights, which then restricts their ability to meet their needs and escape conditions of economic vulnerability. To address these issues, ACbit concludes with five recommendations to present to the Government, civil society groups and the community in 2020.