On 28 May 2024, Action for Change Foundation (ACF) signed another agreement with the Canadian Embassy’s Canada Fund for Local Initiatives to launch the second phase of its successful women’s leadership project in Timor-Leste.
Building on the achievements of the pilot project, which saw remarkable strides in women’s political participation, this expanded project will now encompass three municipalities: Dili, Liquica, and Ermera. Scheduled to run from June 2024 to February 2025, the initiative aims to further strengthen women’s leadership capabilities and promote their active engagement in local governance and decentralisation efforts.
Previously conducted in Dili and Baucau, the project’s extension into additional municipalities marks a significant step towards broadening its impact across Timor-Leste. Just as before, the project will select women with leadership potential and provide them with comprehensive training and advocacy support. Participants will undergo leadership training and gain opportunities to participate in public debates, showcasing their skills and advancing their vision for inclusive community development.
The first phase, initiated in 2023 and successfully concluded in 2024, exceeded expectations by empowering seven women to secure positions in local village elections. This demonstrated achievement underscores ACF’s ongoing dedication to advancing gender equality and empowering women as agents of change in Timor-Leste. ACF’s Director Veronica de Sousa is looking forward to seeing the positive impact of the project in the months to come.
Action for Change Foundation 