Basic numeracy and business literacy training will increase the capacity of eight women’s groups in Ainaro, Baucau, Bobonaro and Dili municipalities. Grants will go to four civil society organisations (CSOs) who will provide the trainings from January to May 2023.

The CSOs are Fundasaun Kolegas Da Paz (KDP) in Baucau, Asosiasaun Unidade Feto ba Dezenvolvimentu (AUFD) in Bobonaro, Fundasaun Esperança in Ainaro, and Fundasaun Harii Moris Foun (HMF) in Dili. As the awarded CSOs they also received Training of Trainers, including the training modules to be used with the targeted women’s groups.

With this training, Hakbiit Feto will enable the women’s group to learn relevant skills such as record keeping, cost/profit calculations, and risk analysis. These skills are applicable for home businesses that will help them to improved knowledge of market systems, facilitate linkages to traders, and ability to engage with market systems that could lead to increase household incomes and participation in the formal economy.

“This project is greatly contributing to increase respect for fundamental human rights by supporting and strengthening the role of Timorese women as agents for sustainable development and change. I look forward to their and our investment baring fruit by tackling inequality, allowing women to strive for inclusive economic growth and becoming empowered in the process”, said Mr Marc Fiedrich, European Union Ambassador to Timor-Leste.

The Hakbiit Feto Project is a four-year project implemented with financial support of the European Union and Austrian Development Agency. The aim of the project is to empower women through their engagement in society and the economy, their participation in value chains and market systems.