Sixty women groups from all 13 districts participated is the Fiar Fair in Dili organized by the Secretary of State for the Promotion of Equality (SEPI) to promote local products made by women and to celebrate the 36th anniversary of the National Timor-Leste Women’s Day (3 November).
Secretary of State (SE), Idelta Maria Rodrigues, said the objective of the fair was to promote woman-made local products and demonstrate how women can also earn a living and not just be stay-home mothers.
She hoped the fair also provided motivation for women’s groups to increase the production of their products so they can keep some for private use but sell the rest and generate an income for their families.
“I hope all of us do not forget that women can do more than just stay at home. They can also improve their lives and help sustain their families economically. A big message also from the fair was to say no to domestic violence because violence is the biggest threat to livelihood and family development,” said SE Rodrigues.
Meanwhile the Coordinator of Group Buka Rasik from Viqueque District, Candida Gusmao, thanked the government for providing attention and encouragement to women’s groups so they can be part of the development of the nation.
“The fair is good because we come from women’s groups from the 13 districts and we can meet and get to know each other and share ideas and experiences with one another,” she added.
The Coordinator of Group Inan Terus, Adelina Freitas da Costa, was happy her group was part of the fair but felt disappointed with the low levels of participation by the community in the capital.
“I am very happy to be here celebrating the national women’s day, but I am sad because no one came to buy our products,” she said.
