“My parents always give me low status in the family because of my gender. Normally, they give more priorities – education and economic opportunity - to all my brothers. This makes me feel bad. However, this seminar opens my mind about the equality between men and women regardless of gender’’ Teresa Pereira, 22 years old
Sub-district of Baucau
May 18, 2007 - Dili, Timor-Leste, around 20 youths in the eastern district town of Baucau participated in a two-day seminar on “Promoting Equality among Youth” in the District of Baucau. The topics discussed included: equality between men and women, domestic violence, leadership, governance, human rights and democracy. Participants were selected from five main sub-district areas-Venilale, Baguia, Laga, Vemasse and Baucau city. This seminar was part of a series of activities that is organized by Feto Hametin Unidade, a local women’s NGO in Baucau with financial assistance from the World Bank’s Small Grant Program. Another three local NGOs - Fundasaun Haburas Comunidade (FUHACO), Concelho Nacional Juventude Timor-Leste, and Edge-Ucate.org - received World Bank Small Grant (SmGP) support to organize activities which involve youth with the aim of bringing positive changes to the lives of young people. During the two day seminar, participants were divided into two main groups based on the topic of interest. On the first day, young people were introduced to general concepts of gender, youth leadership, governance and democracy. On the second day, they discussed the issue of human rights and domestic violence against women, and how these issues can be overcome. Speaking during the opening of the seminar, Feto Hametin Unidade’s Coordinator, Antonieta said that the seminar was intended to allow young people to come and learn from one another so they could contribute to the development of the country. This would be done through enhancing their skills in the area of gender, human rights, democracy and good governance. The seminar was an opportunity for young people to come together and share their experiences and thoughts, especially about the issue of gender. “My parents always give me low status in the family because of my gender. Normally, they give more priorities – education and economic opportunity - to all my brothers. This makes me feel bad. However, this seminar opens my mind about the equality between men and women regardless gender’’ said Teresa Pereira, 22 years old. In order to address gender problems, participants said that there is a need to change the traditional mentality in society which promotes discrimination against women. “The older generation has to realize that it is time to change their mentality from being conservative to being more modernized, and encourage gender equality in the family”, said Sancha Guterres, a 19 year old girl. Many found the seminar very useful because they were encouraged to openly discuss issues that mattered to them. “This seminar is a good forum for us because it gives us the opportunity to enhance our understanding on gender equality, leadership and good governance. These topics are very important for the youth because they will be the future leaders of this country", said Eduardo da Costa, 25 years old. Teresa was one of the participants who had dropped out at school because of economic problems. In spite of this, she does not feel discouraged and gains knowledge through learning from her friends. “I love discussing issues with my friends because in that way I obtain new knowledge. Knowledge can be obtained anywhere, and one does not need to go to school to gain that knowledge”, said Teresa, who is keen to become a Civic Education Training Facilitator. During the seminar the young people also agreed that Timor-Leste can only be developed if everyone, especially youth, cultivate a culture of peace and tolerance. “Being a young person, it is essential to learn how to respect other people’s rights and promote equality amongst us. Timor-Leste can only move forward if we build the country based on peace and tolerance”, said Martinho Marques da Costa, 19 years old.  | |  | Eduardo delivered comments during the discussion |
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Participants also expressed their gratitude that the World Bank has incorporated youth into its Timor-Leste development plan. They hope that the Bank will continue to support such activities in the future. “I hope the Bank will continue to support youth activities like this one in the future, not only in Baucau district but in other districts”, said Eduardo Da Costa, who is passionate about youth issues. “I want similar seminars to be held in our district every six months. However, these activities would be impossible without financial support from international agencies like the World Bank”, said Zeferina Da Costa, 19 years old. The Small Grants Proigram seeks to support activities by NGOs/CSOs that give voice to or stimulate engagement among youth who have traditionally had little voice in the public arena. It supports initiatives that focus on means of expression that are very attractive to youth, and also help to strengthen the relationships amongst youth through reconciliation activities like workshops, trainings, sports, music and theatre. A year after the violence that pitched Timor-Leste into conflict, many young people feel that no one is really paying attention to their plight. It is hoped that through the World Bank’s Small Grants Program, youth will be encouraged to engage in constructive dialogue. The aim is to encourage youth to leave their bitter past behind and move forward to promote tolerance and reconciliation amongst themselves. |
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