EU-Funded POWER Project Closes, with Economic Empowerment of Women in Covalima and RAEOA

Funded by the EU and implemented by World Vision Timor-Leste, FOKUPERS and FEEO from September 2023 to August 2026, the project supported women through Saving for Transformation (S4T) groups, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, livelihood support and gender-transformative approaches.

The endline evaluation found significant improvements in household income, women's economic participation and decision-making. Of surveyed households, 97% reported increased income, while support for women's economic participation increased from 29% to 97% and equitable household decision-making rose from 32% to 61%. Access to improved financial services also increased from 18% to 47%. A key achievement was the establishment of 42 S4T groups, seven of which were registered as cooperatives. The evaluation identified S4T as an effective and sustainable approach to strengthening women's financial literacy, leadership, confidence and collective action.

EU Ambassador Thorsten Bargfrede expressed appreciation to World Vision Timor-Leste, the Government and all partners for their collaboration and said: "The European Union is proud to support initiatives that empower women with greater economic opportunities and a stronger voice in decision-making. The progress achieved through POWER demonstrates what can be accomplished through strong partnerships and community leadership."

Project participant Mana Getrudes from Covalima shared how the project helped strengthen her livelihood: "Through the Saving for Transformation activities introduced by World Vision and its partners, I was able to expand my tofu production business and supply the school feeding programme in our village. Our family's economic situation has now improved. We thank the European Union, World Vision Timor-Leste and the POWER Project for giving us these opportunities."

Humbelino Pereira, Acting National Director of World Vision Timor-Leste, said: "The POWER Project may be ending, but its impact continues. When women are empowered, families become stronger, communities become more resilient, and children become healthier and better able to enjoy life in all its fullness. We thank our partners and, above all, the women and communities who turned opportunities into lasting change. The power of Timorese women continues."

The European Union and its partners extend their appreciation to the Government of Timor-Leste, local authorities, implementing partners, community leaders, women leaders, S4T members, families and communities for their contributions to the success of POWER.