Almost 200 women have gained new confidence in voicing their opinions after a series of 3-day public speaking training sessions by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) held across East Timor. The sessions are part of NDI's Civic Forum program to increase citizen participation in the new country's political life. Through its local training partner, Groupo Feto Foinsae Timor Lorosa'e (East Timor Young Women's Group), NDI recently conducted its second round of training sessions, focusing on young women at the village level, especially those who excelled in the initial sessions.

The aim of the training sessions is to give women the self-confidence they need to voice their ideas and opinions at Civic Forum meetings and elsewhere, including in their own homes. Much of East Timor's society still expects women to limit their activities and voices, both in public and in private settings. By expanding the women's speaking skills and boosting their confidence, the sessions also improve their organizational and leadership skills.

Sabina da Silva participated in the training sessions in Baucau and explained that the benefits are not limited to public speaking. "In the house, the husband always beats the wife because he says he paid for her so he can hit her when she doesn't do what he says. So from this training, we can be brave enough to stand up to our husbands and tell them that just because they paid a bride price doesn't mean that they have the right to beat us. We can tell them that everyone in the family should respect one another, especially husband and wife," she said. Participants have asked NDI to plan another series of training sessions for them.

USAID supports the Civic Forum program through its partnership with NDI. The program works with community groups to provide information on East Timor's political activities, support democratic values, and develop skills necessary for community advocacy on community issues. It also encourages direct interaction between ordinary citizens, local government institutions, and elected representatives.

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