Traditional weavers in East Timor -- Exhibition, forum and market

Dr Sara Niner, a postdoctoral research fellow from the Faculty of Arts at Monash University, will speak about her latest research into the challenges faced by traditional weavers in Timor-Leste (East Timor) at a forum on Saturday 6 September at the St Kilda Town Hall.

The forum is being held as part of a major exhibition that includes more than 40 hand-woven textiles -- or tais -- from Timor-Leste.

Dr Niner, who has helped curate the exhibition, said the hand-woven textiles produced by East Timorese women are vital part of their culture, especially after decades of destructive conflict.

"It's mostly poor rural women, including many widows, who make up the bulk of the weavers. Selling tais is the only way many of these women can make money to pay for essential items," Dr Niner said.

"However my research reveals that, like handcraft producers all over the world, they face great challenges in marketing their goods and maintaining the culture of their products and practices, while getting a fair price for their work.

"What would help is a coordinated and dedicated craft development program in East Timor based on the current economic realities of production and trade and the different social situations of women weavers. The forum will explore options for the future."

It is estimated that East Timorese women produce 30,000 textile pieces a year with a value of around USD$600,000.

"While women are eager and capable entrepreneurs, they have few marketing skills, and are often held back by lack of money to set up a business," Dr Niner said.

"Another challenge is the fact that the currency in East Timor is in US dollars, which means local prices are higher compared to neighbouring West Indonesia.

"Yet for many village women, particularly older ones and widows, there are few other ways to make money."

Dr Niner said the weaving and wearing of tais strengthened Timorese identity by representing a form of passive resistance during the Indonesian occupation.

"Weaving has also helped women overcome the tragedies of the past by providing a familiar and meaningful structure around which a community renews itself. Communities of women often come together to weave," Dr Niner said.

She said that many "friendship" groups in Australia and elsewhere help market the textiles in their own countries.

"However, tais are often hard to sell and people buy them simply to support East Timor," Dr Niner said.

"The development of a craft industry that could truly benefit its poor women workers requires more than just money. They need proper markets and support to affirm their craft."

The forum will be held at the St Kilda Town Hall from 10 am to 5 pm and includes an all-day market with stalls from the Alola Foundation , the East Timorese Women's Association, the International Women's Development Agency, Friends of Suai and other friendship groups.

The textiles exhibition runs from September 3 to 30 with the launch at 6 pm, Friday 5 September.

The City of Port Phillip is hosting the exhibition, market and forum.