The National University of Timor-Leste’s (UNTL) Gender Studies Centre is currently conducting surveys about four important issues affecting women across Timor-Leste.
The National University of Timor-Leste’s (UNTL) Gender Studies Centre is currently conducting surveys about four important issues affecting women across Timor-Leste.
The project, made possible by a $100,000 grant from the State Secretariat for the Promotion of Equality (SEPI), will measure access to water and sanitation in Dili, the prevalence of malnutrition in Oe-Cusse, the contributions of women to agriculture in Baucau and Viqueque as well as the economic impact of providing electricity to Lautem and Liquisa.
Gender Studies Centre deputy co-ordinator Judite Dias Ximenes said the government would develop policy based on the studies’ findings.
“Malnutrition rates are continually increasing,” she said.
“Many people are concerned about a lack of access to clean water as well as a lack of sanitation facilities at schools.”
She said the research projects would be conducted this year and should be complete before National Women’s Day, when the results would be launched.
“We’re sure the research will be complete by that date because we trust the team which is conducting the research,” she said.
She said students, teachers, community leaders and other community members were surveyed.
Secretary of State for Promotion and Equality Idelta Maria Rodrigues said a lack of official data was a big problem for the Timor-Leste government when reporting to organizations such as United Nations’ Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women.
She said these four issues were chosen as they affected all people.
Rodrigues said SEPI would work with the Gende Studies Centre to help it become a strong institution which could contribute to the development of Timor-Leste women.
“The Gender Studies Centre will conduct research to provide data relevant to gender equality issues as this is very important to the development of women in Timor-Leste, because that data can be used to develop policies and programs to advocate for women,” she said.
