Enhancing Access to Justice for Women Through Specialized Training in Gender-Based Violence Cases

To enhance the legal assistance provided to Timorese women and young victims of gender violence, USAID supported a three-day specialized training for legal aid lawyers on 25-27 March, 2009. Speakers at the training included representatives from justice and law enforcement institutions, as well as legal aid organizations specializing in cases of gender-based violence. Prosecuting gender-based violence cases poses an enormous challenge for lawyers in Timor-Leste, given the nascent justice system and gender-specific obstacles faced by Timorese women. Through USAID’s Access to Justice program implemented by The Asia Foundation, hundreds of Timorese women have received free legal assistance from five legal aid organizations.