In Timor-Leste, a highly patriarchal society, the opportunity for women to engage in any form of economic activity is constrained by the expectation that they will prioritise child-rearing duties and household chores more than anything else.
But many women in Timor-Leste are ready to change the dynamic and in pursuit of their own financial independence. It was from this desire that the idea of Hamelale grew. What began two years ago as a few friends attending a business workshop together, has now become a small-scale farming cooperative located in Ostico.
Hamelale, meaning "through the long grass", is a group of 11 emerging entrepreneurs in the region who already serve as role models to their fellow Timorese. The group has built a poultry farm and garden beds, and recently opened a savings and loan scheme. They are keen to build on this success to further support themselves and their community.
Mary Ward International Australia is committed to working with Hamelale as they expand their business, specifically by funding the construction of a new chicken house to increase poultry production and maximise their wholesale and retail opportunities. In addition, MWIA will support Hamelale with business skills development training to strengthen their growing organisation.
In a society where men are generally viewed as the decision-makers, it was refreshing to meet with Maria Idalina da Costa Tilman, a local entrepreneur and leader of HAFUCO (Haburas Futuru Comunidade – Growing the Future with the Community group).
Since HAFUCO was established over a decade ago, it has supported women to improve the economy, education and health of the community. While HAFUCO’s activities include agricultural production and the manufacture of vegetable chips and noodles, they also deliver maternal and child health training. As almost 50 per cent of children under five years of age in Timor-Leste suffer from some form of malnutrition, the importance of this training should not be underestimated.
Mary Ward International Australia’s commitment to HAFUCO over the coming year will focus on supporting the construction of a purpose-built training facility. This will help Maria and the group deliver vital health and nutrition training to a wider audience, including students from various Timor-Leste universities who visit HAFUCO as part of their field work.
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