Research conducted in 2012 to identify positive gender outcomes of WASH programming in Timor-Leste, demonstrated that with just a little conscious effort, WASH programs could achieve small, yet significant changes towards increased gender equality. WaterAid Timor-Leste decided to develop a Community Dialogue Manual (CDM) to advance these research findings.

The CDM is a guide for facilitators to integrate gender awareness and dialogue sessions within WASH planning processes, including Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS), in rural communities that match national community planning processes. It aims to facilitate dialogue between women and men, to build a shared understanding of the current gender roles and relations and how this can be changed to be fairer.

Using an adaptive approach, the manual was developed through several trials with staff and partners in rural communities. After each trial, the manual was revised based on new learnings. It consists of five modules and eleven dialogue exercises, with each module relating to a different Community Action Planning stage, including follow-up and monitoring sessions. It includes step-by-step instructions and facilitation tips for each exercise.

The government of Timor-Leste officially endorsed the CDM, which had been designed to complement the national Community Action Planning and Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) guidelines. The finalised CDM was launched in 2016 and an English version was published in August 2017.

WaterAid and partners are rolling the CDM out across CLTS programs. Already several other NGOs and government organisations have expressed interest and begun utilising the CDM in their work.

Where the CDM has been utilised, we’ve seen its effectiveness. Follow-up visits are showing that men better recognise women's work and are starting to share workloads. Women express their perspectives, with increased numbers of women participating in community meetings and management groups, and taking roles in key positions.

Laranjeira, a woman who took part in the community gender sessions, said, “I am amazed with my husband after (gender) sessions that talked about equal work between men and women. It’s not dramatic change yet, but on many occasions he starts to ask me what (house) work I’m doing and without talking much he starts taking-on one or two responsibilities. He is also looking after our children more often, helping them to take a shower or cleaning them after the toilet.”