Viqueque (24–26 February 2026) and Liquiça (10–12 March 2026) – Cruz Vermelha de Timor-Leste (CVTL), in collaboration with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and Ra’es Hadomi Timor Oan (RHTO), conducted Basic Training on Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) for CVTL staff and health professionals from the municipalities of Viqueque and Liquiça.
According to Ms. Joalita Teresa Magno, CVTL PGI Officer, the training aimed to strengthen participants’ understanding of inclusive approaches and encourage reflection on how they can promote respectful and inclusive programmes in their daily work.
“The training helped participants increase their knowledge and reflect on how they can promote inclusive and respectful programs in their daily work,” said Ms. Magno. “The objective of this activity was to ensure that women, persons with disabilities, children, and other vulnerable groups are not left behind in accessing community services.”
During the three-day training, participants explored key GEDSI topics including gender roles and norms, power relations, diversity and vulnerability, safeguarding, and safe and dignified programming. Through group discussions and interactive activities, participants shared experiences and examined how social and cultural factors influence people’s access to services and opportunities.
A total of 23 participants (12 women and 11 men) attended the training, including CVTL staff and health professionals who support community health activities and development initiatives in their respective municipalities.
Focal points from Ra’es Hadomi Timor Oan (RHTO) also facilitated specific sessions on disability inclusion. These sessions helped participants better understand the challenges faced by persons with disabilities and how services and programmes can be made more accessible and inclusive for all members of the community.
The training was facilitated by Ms. Joalita Teresa Magno, CVTL PGI Officer, and Mr. Cesaltino S. Soares, CRS Senior Project Officer for GEDSI. The sessions were accompanied by Mr. Juvinal, CVTL SSINTL Programme Manager. This activity was supported by the European Union (EU) in Timor-Leste.
Through initiatives such as this training, CVTL and its partners continue to strengthen the capacity of staff and health professionals to ensure that humanitarian and development programmes are inclusive, respectful, and accessible to all members of the community.
