‘Fitun Fronteira’: a Sisterhood of Resilience in the Face of Adversity

Dili — In the small island nation of Timor-Leste, the landscape’s beauty belies many harsh realities and community challenges. The Impacts of climate-induced hazards such as rising sea levels, floods and landslides worsen the socioeconomic situation of the coastal communities, often forcing them to relocate in search of safer living conditions.  

Amidst the challenges and driven by necessity, women in the coastal communities, led by Joana form a group called Fitun Fronteira, which means " star from the border " in the Tetum language. Established in 2013, this initiative has empowered women who face discrimination and hardships to thrive and secure a better future for their families. 

“Fitun Fronteira isn’t just a group; it’s a sisterhood of resilience, where each woman’s strength adds to the collective power to overcome any challenge life throws our way,” said Joana Bobo Tanu, the leader of the women’s group in Bobometo village of Oesilo Administrative Post of Oecusse.  

Supported by the “Together for Equality” project, Fitun Fronteira and other women’s groups have received crucial aid to enhance economic opportunities for women within the community. This focused effort includes providing essential skills training and empowering these women to achieve financial independence. 

Joana and her sisters at Fitun Fronteira faced numerous obstacles. Many of their husbands were incarcerated due to illegal activities at the border, leaving them as the sole providers for their families. In response, Fitun Fronteira has provided crucial support to 667 women across 38 distinct groups in four municipalities, including Baucau, Covalima, Dili and Oecusse. Through this initiative, these women have gained skills in income-generating activities that promote economic independence and resilience. This effort has successfully identified 13 income-generating activities tailored to the community’s interests and resources, ranging from agriculture to handicrafts and small-scale businesses, empowering them to thrive despite their challenging circumstances.  

Fitun Fronteira has become renowned for its creativity and craftsmanship in producing traditional Timorese textiles, such as Tais, which has become a key income-generating activity. Joana and her fellow artisans can earn between USD 200 to 300 each month from weaving Tais and other traditional textiles. This income supports their households and enables them to send their children to school. 

Through resilience, determination and unwavering support, Fitun Fronteira stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to community and female solidarity. They show how, even in the darkest times, united efforts can overcome great challenges. 

“I will continue to support my fellow women to be financially independent because I believe that empowering women is not just about individual success, but it is also about the prosperity of families and communities as a whole. When women have the means to support themselves and their families, they are able to contribute positively to their communities, whether it’s through education, healthcare or economic development initiatives. By uplifting and empowering each other, we create a ripple effect of empowerment that benefits everyone,” concluded Joana. 

Through funding from the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the Together for Equality project supports livelihood activities that economically empower women and contribute to IOM’s objectives to save lives as well as protect people on the move.  

This story was written by Elisabeth Araújo, National Programme Officer at IOM Timor-Leste ebaraujo@iom.int