Timor Leste 16-D Campaign Against Violence

Australia source : www. ausaid.gov.au

In East Timor, the Association of Men against Violence is working to engage men in ending violence against women. This men’s organisation recognises that gender equality will not occur without the involvement of men.

The Association of Men Against Violence works at the community level, in nine districts across East Timor, to increase people’s knowledge and to change men’s behaviour on violence against women.

A key part of this is working with young men. The Association is also noted for innovative ‘guerrilla tactics’—creating mini-awareness moments whenever opportunities arise. An example of this strategy is members initiating loud conversation about gender equality while riding on a bus or attending a cockfight.

The Association of Men Against Violence works closely with the Government of East Timor and other community groups as part of a network of organisations working to promote gender equality and to stop violence against women in East Timor.

In 2009 AusAID provided $60,000 to support the work of the Association of Men Against Violence. (visit this website : http://www.ausaid.gov.au/keyaid/sixteendays/default.cfm)