Liberation Mural in Timor-Leste

Mehi/Dreams in Dili

This video shares the story of Isabel, a former student of Pro-EMA (Empowering Program for Women and Adolescents) in Timor-Leste.
Timor-Leste, East Asia

Story by Phoebe Parsons
Published on March 2, 2024. Reading time: 1 minutes

CW: This contains descriptions of sexual abuse that may be triggering for some individuals.

Pro-EMA (Empowering Program for Women and Adolescents) is an organisation based in Dili, Timor-Leste, providing education, shelter and support for survivors of violence and sexual abuse. Pro-EMA was established by East Timorese women in 2018 as a response to gender inequality in Timor-Leste. Individuals at Pro-EMA are offered an education in gastronomy, hospitality, cosmetology, tourism and entrepreneurship, and opportunities of employment in the Pro-EMA’s restaurant, beauty salon, café, chocolaterie, and Sunset Inn Hotel.

In 2023 I got to know the founders of Pro-EMA and witness first-hand the incredible dedication this team has in uplifting survivors and providing paths towards financial stability and community.

This video shares the story of Isabel, a former Pro-EMA student and now dear friend of mine, who entrusted me with her story in the hope to inspire other survivors of gender-based violence.

How does this story make you feel?

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Phoebe Parsons

Phoebe Parsons

Phoebe’s love of storytelling grew from a peripatetic childhood in remote regions of Australia, countries in Asia, Africa and Europe. Stories are what shape and bind us, and can serve as conduits to deeper intercultural understanding. She believes this can be fostered further through centring and amplifying local voices and realities in global news stories.
Phoebe is also passionate about communication through music and learning about people and places through this art form. She loves to sing, play guitar and piano, and is always ready for an impromptu jam session. Phoebe has a deep appreciation of nature, reflected in her love of hiking and her artwork which is inspired heavily by the natural world.

Phoebe completed her bachelor’s degree in Global Liberal Arts at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London.

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