FUNDEF working with Manufahi community for first time
- fundef
- Sep 1, 2016
- 2 min read
FUNDEF is increasing the reach of their work's impact by joining with the Manufahi community for the first time on reducing violence against women. Seventy people attended two workshops run by FUNDEF in Letefoho on July 20 and 21 to discuss communicating without resorting to violence.
According to the latest report from the Nabilan Program, most Timorese women will experience some form of violence from their husband or boyfriend during their lifetimes. Furthermore, for those women who have faced violence, they will most likely suffer incidences many times (see infographic).
Considering this significant issue, FUNDEF’s training is an important foundation to the prevention of domestic violence in Timor-Leste. Participants considered different forms of communication, the consequences of not communicating well, and how to improve their interactions with others. These discussions were facilitated by three FUNDEF staff members; Mr Feliciano de Jesus G. Aleixo, Mr Martino da C. Ribeiro and Miss Meliana de Araújo Guterres. Several participants expressed their interest in the workshops, as they said they had never had the opportunity to explore this topic before. FUNDEF is currently working in three other municipalities - Dili, Aileu, and Manatuto.
“We are very glad to be growing into further areas, working alongside new people, and creating positive change in more communities in Timor-Leste.”said FUNDEF’s peacebuilding program manager, Mr Aleixo.
Letefoho will welcome FUNDEF back in October for follow-up coaching and monitoring.
The funding for FUNDEF's work in reducing violence against women in Same was awarded to FUNDEF on 9 March 2016 at a ceremony with the Australian Ambassador. FUNDEF is one of several civil society groups who received funding for reducing violence against womenthrough the Australian government Nabilan Program, implemented through the Asia Foundation.
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