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Will you help change history this Christmas?

Timor-Leste has one of the lowest levels of gender equality in the world. For years, women have been marginalised and vulnerable in Timorese society.

But thanks to Progressio Development Worker, Margaret Happy, women in Timor-Leste have hope for a better future this Christmas!

Margaret has been working alongside the network of women’s organisations, Rede Feto, helping them to improve their advocacy skills, lobby the government and speak out against injustice. Thanks to Margaret these women have changed history.

That’s a big claim but in this case it’s really true! Together they have managed to persuade the national government to give women a greater say in decision making. The women successfully proposed a law that has now been adopted in Timor-Leste which states that 30% of representatives in parliament must be women. That’s a greater proportion of women MPs than we currently have here in the UK.  

Women in Timor-Leste will now have a greater influence on policies which affect their lives, children can now look forward to a better future, and Rede Feto and other women’s networks now have the skills and knowledge to continue their fight for greater equality, all thanks to Progressio.

This story demonstrates what Progressio is all about, solidarity. These women all shared one journey and one goal which they made happen and Progressio helped them get there by standing with them in their endeavour. People have the power to change their lives, but lasting change is achieved together.  

Will you stand alongside us this Christmas as we continue to fight for greater equality?  

Please give an extra gift this Christmas and help us ensure history continues to be changed!

Photo: Jelia Boavida de Jesus at home in Timor-Leste with her children. Jelia’s daughters can now look forward to a better future thanks to Progressio’s work supporting women in this extremely poor country. (Photograph © Marcus Perkins/Progressio)