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Writer's pictureSherbaz Muhammad

Empowering Rural Women in Timor-Leste: UN Women's Call for Proposals on Human Trafficking Prevention


In pursuit of gender equality and the vision of "Leaving No One Behind" by 2030, UN Women is launching a crucial initiative in collaboration with registered non-government organizations (NGOs). This project aims to enhance the economic empowerment of rural women in Timor-Leste while addressing the multifaceted challenges they face. This comprehensive blog post serves as a detailed guide to the call for proposals, elucidating its objectives, focus areas, budget, and eligibility criteria.


Objectives: Economic Empowerment and Sustainable Development


The primary objective of this project, set to unfold in 2023, is to uplift the economic empowerment of rural women. It seeks to holistically address challenges that women weavers encounter, thereby enabling them to lead economically sustainable lives. The project is strategically focused on five key areas:


1. Structure and Organization

2. Infrastructure, Equipment, and Raw Resources

3. Marketing and Communication

4. Advocacy

5. Capacity Building and Knowledge Transfer


Funding Information: Empowering Rural Women


The budget range for proposals submitted to this project should fall within the range of US$ 250,000 to US$ 300,000. This funding will serve as a crucial resource to implement activities across the five strategic areas mentioned above, ultimately empowering rural women and fostering sustainable development.


Project Outputs: Transforming Lives


The project outlines several critical outputs, each aimed at creating a substantial impact on the lives of rural women in Timor-Leste:


Output 1: Empowering Weavers through Organization

- The establishment of a National Rede Soru Na’in (Weaver's Network) to unite and empower weavers.

- Regional branches to facilitate local support.

- Legal registration and operationalization of the network.

- Providing weavers with access to resources, markets, capacity building, and peer support.

- Preserving Timorese cultural traditions and promoting them among younger generations.


Output 2: Infrastructure and Equipment Enhancement

- Support for weaver groups and Rede Soru Na’in facilities in pilot municipalities.

- Establishing at least two production centers with essential infrastructure.

- Creating safe spaces for women to work and explore their potential.


Output 3: Market Opportunities and Cultural Heritage Preservation

- Managing and running the Rede Soru Na’in store in Dili.

- Establishing standard operating procedures for the commercial center.

- Increasing profitability and self-sustainability of the center.

- Creating market linkages for weavers.

- Building capacity among weavers for commercial space management.


Output 4: Advocacy and Policy Support

- Developing and implementing an advocacy strategy to engage National and Regional Authorities.

- Seeking support for the sustainability of Rede Soru Na’in.

- Advocating for policies to protect and promote the weaving sector and weavers.

- Inclusion of Tais in school curriculums.

- Engaging in national and regional discussions about the weaving industry.


Output 5: Capacity Building and Knowledge Transfer

- Identifying and supporting master weavers.

- Conducting training of weavers.

- Building capacity for 100 weavers.

- Enhancing skills and knowledge transfer among weavers and younger generations.


Competencies Required: A Path to Success


UN Women seeks NGOs that demonstrate specific competencies to effectively execute this project. These include:


- Technical Capacity

- Successful track record

- Proven commitment to delivering results

- Internal programmatic, administrative, and financial processes

- Credibility among stakeholders

- Grassroots presence/outreach

- Adequate professional staff

- Previous experience with UN Women or significant non-governmental funding partners


- Governance and Management Structure

- Official registration in Timor-Leste

- Impartial governance structure

- Anti-fraud and corruption policy

- Data privacy and protection policies

- Gender considerations in management and governance

- Capacity to follow the UN Protocol on Allegations of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse


- Financial and Administrative

- Transparent financial and administrative rules and regulations

- Clear system for procurement and subcontracting

- Documented procedures and internal controls

- Segregation of duties in fund receipt and management

- Regular external audits

- Sustainable financial position


Join Us in Empowering Rural Women


The call for proposals by UN Women is not just an opportunity; it's a commitment to change. Together, we can empower rural women in Timor-Leste, provide them with the tools they need to thrive economically, and preserve their cultural heritage. For further information and to submit your proposal, please visit the UN Women website. Let's make a significant impact on the lives of rural women and contribute to the sustainable development of Timor-Leste. Join us on this transformative journey!

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