In Timor-Leste, Australia is the largest donor helping to end violence against women and girls through the Nabilan Program ($32 million; 2014-2022). Nabilan works to prevent violence, provide quality support services for survivors of violence and assist them in accessing legal services.
Alongside positive signs of attitude change, judicial improvements and access to vital support services for survivors through the program, Nabilan has also enhanced the professionalization of those providing services for survivors of violence.
In 2015 Nabilan recognised the significant gap in qualifications in social services in Timor-Leste. Between 2015-2017, Nabilan worked to develop the first nationally accredited Certificate III in Social Services.
To date, two rounds of training (for 32 students from 13 organisations) have been delivered. Topics covered include human rights, justice systems, ethics, work health and safety, disability inclusion, client reporting, counselling, referrals and safety.
Workplace assessments and interviews with supervisors indicate the training has improved participants' skills and knowledge, with graduates using their skills in their workplace to deliver better quality services.
The course has also created a strong alumni network of former students, who continue to support each other professionally. Some of the alumni have also formed an activist group in Timor-Leste to advance gender equity.
Graduate Agostinho Soares is a caseworker at PRADET's Safe House at the national hospital in Dili and helps provide safety, care and treatment for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse. "My dream as a man is to work towards ending violence against women and their families in Timor-Leste. It's not just a women's role to fight for this, but men too."
Agostinho says formal learning about procedures and client processes has been the highlight of the course; "I've learned that it's not just about helping the client, but recognising and building on their strengths, even if they have experienced violence."
Graduate Cesaltina de Almeida works at ACBit, a Timorese women rights organisation that provides support services and counselling for survivors of conflict and trauma in Timor-Leste from 1975-1999.
"Even though I have worked in this area for lots of years, I have learnt more about how to understand and work with and focus on clients. I feel very proud to be involved in this course and am already applying the knowledge and skills to my work".