Photo by Anna Robertson-Bate

Timor-Leste (East Timor) secured independence from Indonesia in 1999. Indonesian rule was devastating for Timor-Leste– massacres and starvation have affected all Timorese who were alive in that period. Timor-Leste’s infrastructure suffered massive damage when the Indonesian forces withdrew. The Indonesian occupation followed on from  400 years of colonisation by Portugal, so the Timorese people have historically had little opportunity to develop independence in governance and their business lives.

The new country is working hard to build a new future for their people, but issues with land ownership, education, telecommunications and transportation however there is still limited development.

There are almost no employment opportunities for rural women, and so HAFOTI is proud to be bringing rural Timorese women the chance to provide for  themselves and their families through independent bussinesses.