AMKV has mounted a three-year campaign to raise men’s awareness of gender issues and gender-based violence. Association members focus on rural areas and work in cooperation with Timorese women’s organizations and other rights groups. Using popular education techniques to explore issues related to gender-based violence, AMKV workshops target men in communities across Timor-Leste. The association also spreads it message through posters, pamphlets, and billboards.

Mr. Araujo says that the initial skepticism he met with in the early days of the campaign has given way to interest and commitment, especially among young people. "More people have joined us in the campaign," he explains. "In the beginning only five of us were involved in the program. Now we have more than 20 volunteers working in the districts. We also receive many invitations from traditional leaders and youth groups in communities that we have visited asking us to hold more workshops and discussions with them. More than 30 people attend the workshops we hold each weekend. People are very enthusiastic."

USAID's $14,141 start-up grant to AMKV supported the first six months of the campaign. It covered the costs of office equipment and supplies, billboards, posters, and pamphlets. The grant enabled AMKV members to go into rural communities in six districts. About180 men took part in those early sessions, discussing how gender plays a role in discrimination, culture, and domestic violence. By increasing men's understanding of gender issues and women's rights, AMKV aims to counter the increase in gender-based violence and improve communities' awareness of civil rights.

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