Radio talk show: COVID-19 pandemic, the economy, and violence against women

On 24 June 2021, Fokupers collaborated with Suara Timor Lorosa’e (STL) radio to hold a 30-minute live radio talk show on COVID-19 and its impact on women..

As speakers of the talk show, Sra. Agostinha da Costa, the head of women socioeconomic empowerment department of SEII, discussed the economic impact of COVID-19 on women, and dr. Helio Guterres, an internist practicing in Dili, provided information on medical service procedure and strategies in handling COVID-19.

Also present as a speaker was Maria Fatima Pereira Guterres, the executive director of Fokupers, who talked about gender-based violence that happens during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Starting on 28 June 2021, the recorded version of the talk show will be broadcasted through community radios in four municipalities: Dili, Ermera, Manufahi, and Liquica.

This activity is part of the Reforsa Hamutuk project conducted by Fokupers in collaboration with ACbit and Hivos, funded by the European Union in Timor-Leste and the Norwegian Embassy in Jakarta, to promote social inclusion and economic development of women victims of gender-based violence and victims of past conflicts in Timor-Leste.

By producing and broadcasting this talk show, Fokupers hopes that both women survivors of violence and the general public can receive correct information on COVID-19, be aware of the importance of following health protocols, and know what to do when violence happens during the pandemic. *