Welcoming our sisters from Timor-Leste to Australia

Abelita and Etelvina were in Australia for a two-week leadership and learning journey across Melbourne and Adelaide, as part of the Anna Stewart Memorial Project (ASMP) — a program that brings union women together to grow leadership, build solidarity, and strengthen the movement.

The Power of Connection

Their visit was made possible through our ongoing partnership with Union Aid Abroad – APHEDA, and it’s a reflection of the strong and deep-rooted bonds between Australian unions and our Timorese neighbours.

As part of their journey, Abelita and Etelvina took part in an intensive week of ASMP training with SA Unions. They explored the role of women in the union movement, connected with Australian labour history, and joined workshops on leadership and advocacy. They also spent time doing hands-on placements with local unions to see how worker advocacy plays out in real life.

When they visited us at WWCSA, we spent a full day learning from each other. Some of the highlights included:

• Joining a live Federal Court case – Abelita and Etelvina were briefed on an active workplace rights matter and sat in on final submissions at the Federal Court. A powerful insight into the legal side of advocacy.
• Campaign and education chats – Our Advocacy and Education team swapped strategies with them, talking through our work on issues including stolen wages and the misuse of NDAs.

• Cross-cultural conversations on workers’ rights – A rich cross-cultural dialogue explored issues such as working conditions, parental leave, wages, superannuation, and the gender pay gap in both countries.

• Afternoon tea with the team – In a warm and informal gathering, Abelita and Etelvina shared their stories and the incredible news about Timor-Leste’s first domestic workers union — set to launch later this year!

A Legacy of Global Feminist Organising

Our connection with the Working Women’s Centre Timor-Leste goes way back. It all started in 2008 when Elisabeth Lino De Araujo — now WWCTL’s Country Manager — joined the ASMP and did her placement right here at WWCSA. That experience helped plant the seed for WWCTL, which today supports women workers across Timor-Leste, especially domestic workers who’ve long been excluded from formal labour protections.

A Shared Learning Journey

It was an honour to spend time with Abelita and Etelvina. Their visit wasn’t just about learning — it was a beautiful expression of international solidarity. These connections strengthen the global movement of women pushing for fair, safe, and respectful workplaces.

To Mana Abelita and Mana Etelvina — Obrigada. Thank you for your courage, your stories, and your vision. This is just one chapter in a much bigger story of solidarity, sisterhood, and the ongoing fight for workers’ rights around the world.