Fundasaun Alola
Fundasaun Alola is a not for profit non-governmental organisation operating in Timor-Leste to improve the lives of women and children. Founded in 2001 by then First Lady, Ms Kirsty Sword Gusmao, the organisation seeks to nurture women leaders and advocate for the rights of women by addressing problems relating to education, economic development, maternal and child health and advocating women’s rights. Fundasaun Alola recognises multi-dimensional disadvantage including limited access to education, a lack of sustainable economic opportunity, poor health status (particularly maternal and child health), and a recent history of oppression and trauma, as interrelated problems that limit the capacity of women to assume positions of leadership and access their rights.
Fundasaun Alola is concerned with directly addressing the barriers that prevent women in Timor-Leste from enjoying their right to good health, education, socio-economic opportunities and political participation for the benefit of all people in Timor-Leste, as reflected in Alola’s motto Feto Forte, Nasaun Forte (Strong Women, Strong Nation). Alola’s five key program areas include Operations, which oversees all organisational logistics and resource management, and the following:
