Empowering women to be disaster-responsive leaders

Madalena, a 50-year-old woman from Bobonaro Municipality, emerged as a potential leader. Engaged since 2019, she played a crucial role in community mobilization for disaster preparedness. Madalena was elected as the female delegate of the Suco Disaster Management Committee and joined the village council.

“My village is prone to floods, landslides, high winds, prolonged drought and fire, which often cause devastation to the families and their livelihoods. Although these incidents frequently happened, we were not prepared before,” Madalena said.

Facing various challenges, such as transportation issues, Madalena received full support from her family, especially her husband. Despite obstacles, she actively shared her knowledge with other women, emphasising women's leadership potential. Madalena also participated in World Vision Timor-Leste's savings group, contributing to knowledge dissemination in rural areas.

Madalena's leadership role involves training in disaster risk management, first aid, and gender and disability inclusion. Despite obstacles, she successfully balanced family responsibilities and community engagement.

“I taught what I have learned to other women in my village because women have potential and ability when they are given a chance to lead,” she added. “Women can be leaders.”

WVTL emphasizes that women's participation brings positive changes to communities. The project highlights the importance of collaboration between men and women in sharing responsibilities and being prepared during disasters.

“We share information by sitting in groups during cultural ceremonies and walking together to the market or church,” she said. “I also implement the first aid at home, and ensure my family can avoid disasters at home by turning off cooking fires,” she added.

The project with the support of  Australian Humanitarian Partnership (AHP), benefited 24,942 people in 12 villages, including 13,243 women and 11,699 men. Additionally, 89 women and 31 men, including 2 people with disabilities, received leadership training. Training were also conducted to promote more equitable decision-making between men and women in households.