This report presents key findings and key recommendations from the project “Strengthening Tarabandu Advocacy t o Enhance Women’s Part i ci pat i on i n Tarabandu Processes”, implemented by NGO Belun in partnership with ChildFund Timor-Leste and ChildFund International in Indonesia under the Strengthening Social Cohesion Program (2023–2025). The project engaged ten villages in the administrative post of Likisa municipality (Leotala, Dato, Hatuquesi, Loidahar, and Acumano village)
and administrative post of Bazartere (Fatumasi, Tibar, Ulmera, Maumeta and Leorama village) in Likisa, with the dual aim of revitalizing Tarabandu, a traditional customary law system used to prevent conflict, guide social behavior, and protect the environment, while strengthening the leadership and participation of women and youth in local governance. Fieldwork was conducted by 10 enumerators (5 men and 5 women) for data collection and included 25 key informant interviews (KIIs) and 7 focus group discussions (FGDs), conducted between 8 and 18 July 2025, involving approximately 75 participants, including community leaders (Village Chiefs and Hamlet Chiefs), local governments (post administrators), lia-nain (cultural leaders), teachers and school directors, students, youth CSOs, youth (boys and girls), women representatives, and religious actors. Read the full report.