KIT Blog

“Ermelinda is a strong, independent woman, but this was not always the case…” Zeki from the Misaun Lepra Timor-Leste on the Hidden Lives podcast, Season 2, Episode 3.

Ermelinda began to see signs of leprosy on her body as early as 1993. It was not until seven years later that community health workers saw her and were able to properly diagnose and give her Multi-Drug Treatment (MDT). Leprosy reactions and a lack of options for surgery in Timor-Leste have left her with disabilities in her hands and feet.

Because of this Ermelinda often withdraws from social and community activities feeling shame at her situation. Fortunately, her family and neighbours have been accepting of her. Ermelinda lives with her family on a small income that does not fully support their daily needs.

But through the Misaun Lepra Timor-Leste Ermelinda has been encouraged to join a local Self-Help Group (SHG). Here, Ermelinda and the other women in the group have been empowered to see and reach for their full potential. They have participated in training on important issues such as Gender-Based Violence, Universal Human Rights, Rights for People with Disabilities, Leadership, Women’s Decision Making, and Micro Business.

The group, made up of women affected by leprosy and disabilities, as well as family members not affected, have initiated horticultural activities to obtain income for their livelihoods, including planting cabbage, beans, tomatoes, eggplants, pumpkins, okra, and bok choy. Additionally, the group also established a fund for saving and loaning money. 

“Having the opportunity to be involved and participate in various activities in groups and communities such as socialization, training and learning, group discussions and sharing, and gardening together has built trust and eliminated feelings of shame in me.”

Hidden Lives Podcast

You can hear more about Ermelinda’s story and the work of Misaun Lepra Timor-Leste on the Hidden Lives podcast (Season 2, Episode 3, A Little Investment Goes a Long Way) which you can find at https://hiddenlives.buzzsprout.com/. 

There are more episodes, hosted by Eva from The Leprosy Mission Australia, and Zeki from Misaun Lepra Timor-Leste, on the website as well!

Join us to pray for Timor-Leste

Pray for Ermelinda as she grows in her abilities to develop a sustainable livelihood to help support herself and her family. Give thanks that her family and neighbours were accepting of her and pray that this acceptance would become widespread in Timor-Leste and in other countries where stigma exists.

Give thanks for the staff and volunteers of Misaun Lepra Timor-Leste who work hard to provide support and opportunities for people affected by leprosy and disabilities. Pray that they will see the positive difference they are making in many people’s lives and their communities.

You can support other women in Timor-Leste like Ermelinda through the Improved Leprosy Services project.

Donate to the Improved Leprosy Services project