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RFAs: Addressing Gender-Based Violence Against Women and LGBTIQ+ People

Deadline: 23-Sep-2026

The European Commission has launched a new Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Action supporting projects that address gender-based violence and politically motivated violence targeting women and LGBTIQ people involved in public and political life.

The programme supports interdisciplinary and multi-country research focused on online and offline violence, hate speech, disinformation, cyber harassment, harmful gender norms, and barriers to equal political participation. The total budget available under this call is €12 million.

Focus Areas

The programme focuses on:

  • Gender-based violence
  • Politically motivated violence
  • Violence against women in politics
  • LGBTIQ rights and protection
  • Online and offline harassment
  • Hate speech and disinformation
  • Cyber harassment and deepfakes
  • Ethical and gender-sensitive media reporting
  • Inclusive democratic participation
  • Intersectional discrimination research

Projects are encouraged to examine how violence affects:

  • Women in public life
  • Politicians and activists
  • Journalists and public figures
  • LGBTIQ communities
  • Marginalised and minority groups

Key Research Priorities

Applicants are expected to:

  • Study the drivers and impacts of violence
  • Develop prevention and early intervention measures
  • Produce evidence-based policy recommendations
  • Analyse harmful narratives and media influence
  • Promote ethical reporting practices
  • Explore both digital and physical forms of violence
  • Include intersectional perspectives in research

The programme also encourages:

  • Participation of civil society organisations
  • Involvement of affected individuals
  • Engagement of men and boys in prevention efforts
  • Use of qualitative and quantitative research methods

Budget and Funding

The total budget available under this topic is:

  • €12 million

Expected funding per project:

  • Between €3.5 million and €4 million

The funding is provided under the Horizon Europe framework.

Eligibility

The opportunity is open to:

  • Universities and research institutions
  • Civil society organisations
  • International organisations
  • Public and private entities
  • Organisations from non-associated third countries

Applicants must:

  • Register in the Participant Register
  • Obtain a Participant Identification Code (PIC)
  • Meet Horizon Europe eligibility conditions

Research and Data Requirements

Projects are expected to:

  • Use interdisciplinary and multi-country approaches
  • Follow FAIR data principles
  • Ensure research outputs are findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable
  • Use European Research Infrastructures linked to the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC) where relevant

Important Dates

Key timeline:

  • Applications open: 12 May 2026
  • Submission deadline: 23 September 2026

The call follows a single-stage application process.

Why This Programme Matters

The initiative addresses the growing connection between gender-based violence and political participation. According to the European Commission, violence targeting women and LGBTIQ people in public life threatens democracy, reinforces inequality, and discourages inclusive participation in political and civic spaces.

The programme aims to strengthen evidence, policy responses, prevention strategies, and safer environments for political engagement across Europe and beyond.

How to Apply

Applicants should:

  1. Build a multi-country and interdisciplinary consortium
  2. Develop research proposals aligned with Horizon Europe priorities
  3. Include stakeholder and civil society participation
  4. Ensure compliance with FAIR data standards
  5. Register for a PIC number before grant agreement preparation
  6. Submit applications before 23 September 2026

FAQ

  1. What is the total budget for this Horizon Europe topic?
    The total budget available is €12 million.
  2. How much funding can each project receive?
    Projects are expected to receive between €3.5 million and €4 million.
  3. Who can apply?
    Any eligible legal entity, including international organisations and entities from non-associated third countries, may apply.
  4. What issues does the programme focus on?
    The programme focuses on gender-based violence, political violence, hate speech, cyber harassment, disinformation, and violence targeting women and LGBTIQ people in public life.
  5. Is international collaboration required?
    Yes, projects are expected to adopt a multi-country research approach.
  6. What are FAIR data principles?
    FAIR principles ensure research data is findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable.

Conclusion

The European Commission initiative under Horizon Europe supports large-scale research efforts addressing violence against women and LGBTIQ people in political and public life. By funding interdisciplinary and evidence-based projects, the programme aims to strengthen democratic participation, reduce harmful discrimination, and promote safer and more inclusive societies.

For more information, visit European Commission.