Social Innovation at the Presidential Palace: Testing new ideas for place-based social impact in Timor-Leste
At first glance, the presidential palace in Dili, Timor-Leste, might seem like a symbol of formality and tradition. Yet nestled within its lush surroundings, something extraordinary is taking shape—a vibrant hub of grassroots social innovation.
UNSW Centre for Social Impact Research Visit: Timor-Leste
A delegation from the UNSW Centre for Social Impact (UNSW CSI) visited Timor-Leste to experience the work of the Economic Empowerment of Women (EEW) Unit, established by President José Ramos-Horta. The team, comprising Centre Director Professor Danielle Logue, Lecturer Lee Cooper , and Director of Research and Innovation Associate Professor Melissa Edwards , embarked on an immersive journey to witness how place-based initiatives are helping drive change on the island nation, and work on how they can be scaled.
Place-Based Strategy: An Ecosystem of Partnerships
Under the visionary leadership of President José Ramos-Horta , the presidential palace has been reimagined as a dynamic space for social enterprises to thrive, offering new opportunities for economic empowerment and community development.
Every day, Kantina Matak —a canteen situated on the palace grounds—serves hundreds of meals. These meals are not only for visiting dignitaries or state officials but for vulnerable groups, including hungry children and families in need. With over 47% of children in Timor-Leste living in poverty , Kantina Matak provides an essential lifeline.
But this initiative is about more than just feeding the hungry. Kantina Matak is also a platform for women’s economic empowerment. It offers a space for female entrepreneurs to learn skills, build businesses, and create opportunities that ripple through their families and communities.
The impact of the restaurant has extended beyond its own operations. A nearby café has opened, and a market-like atmosphere has emerged as other businesses begin to take root on the palace grounds.
Central to the President’s Economic Empowerment of Women Unit’s work is place-based strategy. By embedding their efforts in the local context, they tailor programs to meet the specific needs of each community. This focus not only enhances the effectiveness of their initiatives but also fosters a sense of ownership and pride among participants. Rather than imposing solutions, the EEW Unit works alongside communities, enabling growth that feels authentic and sustainable.
Professor Danielle Logue states “it was a privilege to learn how empowerment is genuinely embedded in every aspect of the EEW Unit’s work, from the training for women entrepreneurs, to the structure of graduation ceremonies, to the management of ongoing business support – agency, sustainability, respect, and fostering potential to scale were always at the core of conversations and interactions”.
Associate Professor Melissa Edwards: “The vibrancy and passion of the Timor-Leste people, marked with tragedy and the continued search for justice, permeated the EEW unit’s programs. Our research challenge is to appreciate the deeply relational methods that enable women to be empowered within their cultural context and support them to demonstrate how this makes a difference”.
Lee Cooper, Lecturer at UNSW CSI, reflected on the experience:
“The opportunity to immerse ourselves in the work of the Economic Empowerment of Women Unit was transformative. Approaching something with readymade solutions, you fail in your responsibility to learn. Taking the time to listen and build relationships the learning is mutual. We align our contributions with the Timorese vision, ensuring that our support genuinely adds value, and we bring back insights for students, organisations and institutions,” said Lee Cooper.
This research collaboration and knowledge exchange will expand in 2025, after successfully securing support from the UNSW Global Research and Impact Program (GRIP).
