Deadline: 14-Jul-2026
UN Women is inviting civil society organizations, networks, coalitions, and consortiums across Africa to apply for funding under the Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Programme (SIARP) 2.0. The programme aims to accelerate efforts to end violence against women and girls, eliminate harmful practices, strengthen sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and support women’s rights and youth-led movements across the continent.
The call seeks experienced organizations with regional reach and strong institutional capacity to implement evidence-based and human rights-based interventions that contribute to gender equality, accountability, and sustainable social change.
About the Programme
- SIARP 2.0 is a regional initiative focused on ending violence against women and girls (EVAWG).
- The programme supports civil society organizations operating at continental, regional, sub-regional, or multi-country levels.
- Selected organizations will serve as Responsible Parties for programme implementation.
- The initiative promotes inclusive, survivor-centred, and rights-based approaches.
- The programme supports advocacy, accountability, service delivery improvements, and movement strengthening.
- Consortium and partnership applications are encouraged.
Programme Objectives
- End violence against women and girls.
- Address harmful practices affecting women and girls.
- Strengthen sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
- Improve survivor-centred services and support systems.
- Promote policy accountability and implementation.
- Transform harmful social norms and attitudes.
- Strengthen women’s rights and youth-led movements.
- Support women’s economic empowerment and leadership.
- Build civil society resilience and sustainability.
- Promote inclusion of marginalized groups and persons with disabilities.
Priority Focus Areas
- Violence against women and girls prevention.
- Harmful practices prevention and response.
- Survivor-centred services and support mechanisms.
- Sexual and reproductive health and rights advocacy.
- Policy reform and accountability.
- Social norms and behavior change.
- Women’s leadership and empowerment.
- Youth engagement and movement building.
- Civil society strengthening.
- Disability inclusion and intersectional approaches.
Available Components
Applicants may submit proposals covering one to three programme components.
Component 5: Survivor-Centred Advocacy and Accountability
This component supports regional women’s rights organizations, youth-led groups, and survivor-led networks to strengthen advocacy and accountability mechanisms.
Activities may include:
- Engaging with regional institutions and decision-makers.
- Amplifying survivor voices in policy discussions.
- Monitoring quality of essential services.
- Strengthening advocacy around shelters and safe spaces.
- Supporting one-stop centres and survivor support mechanisms.
- Promoting accountability for service standards.
Funding available:
- Maximum budget allocation: USD 200,000.
Component 6: Civil Society Organizational Strengthening
This component focuses on strengthening organizations working on gender equality, EVAWG, harmful practices, and SRHR.
Activities may include:
- Institutional strengthening.
- Organizational resilience initiatives.
- Sustainable resourcing strategies.
- Capacity-building programs.
- Learning and knowledge-sharing opportunities.
- Support for the SIARP 2.0 Civil Society Regional Reference Group.
Funding available:
- Maximum budget allocation: USD 548,000.
Component 7: Partnerships with Marginalized Groups
This component supports partnerships with organizations of persons with disabilities and other marginalized populations.
Activities may include:
- Building strategic partnerships.
- Supporting inclusive gender equality initiatives.
- Strengthening engagement with the African Union.
- Collaboration with Regional Economic Communities.
- Advancing commitments related to EVAWG and SRHR.
- Promoting inclusive advocacy and policy engagement.
Funding available:
- Maximum budget allocation: USD 200,000.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Civil society organizations.
- Women’s rights organizations.
- Youth-led organizations.
- Regional and sub-regional networks.
- Coalitions and consortiums.
- Survivor-led organizations.
- Organizations of persons with disabilities.
- Multi-country civil society platforms.
Organizations should demonstrate:
- Relevant technical expertise.
- Strong institutional capacity.
- Experience implementing regional programs.
- Ability to manage grants and partnerships.
- Commitment to gender equality and human rights.
What Makes a Strong Proposal?
UN Women is seeking proposals that demonstrate:
- Evidence-based approaches.
- Survivor-centred programming.
- Inclusive and rights-based methodologies.
- Strong regional reach and influence.
- Meaningful participation of women and girls.
- Engagement of youth and marginalized groups.
- Clear advocacy and accountability strategies.
- Sustainable and scalable impact.
Expected Outcomes
Funded projects are expected to contribute to:
- Stronger laws and policy implementation.
- Improved accountability mechanisms.
- Increased access to quality survivor-centred services.
- Reduced violence against women and girls.
- Stronger women’s rights and youth-led movements.
- Enhanced civil society resilience.
- Greater inclusion of persons with disabilities and marginalized groups.
- Improved regional coordination and advocacy.
Why This Programme Matters
- Violence against women and girls remains a significant challenge across Africa.
- Strong civil society organizations play a critical role in advancing gender equality.
- Survivor-centred services improve safety, recovery, and long-term wellbeing.
- Youth-led and women-led movements are essential for sustainable change.
- Regional collaboration strengthens advocacy and policy influence.
- Inclusive partnerships help ensure that marginalized voices are represented in decision-making processes.
Application Tips
- Clearly identify which component(s) your proposal addresses.
- Demonstrate experience in gender equality and EVAWG programming.
- Show evidence of regional reach and partnerships.
- Include meaningful participation of survivors and affected communities.
- Present realistic workplans and measurable outcomes.
- Highlight strategies for sustainability and long-term impact.
- Demonstrate organizational capacity and governance structures.
- Emphasize inclusion of youth, persons with disabilities, and marginalized groups.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is SIARP 2.0?
- The Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Programme 2.0 is a UN Women-led initiative that supports efforts to end violence against women and girls and strengthen gender equality across Africa.
Who can apply for funding?
- Eligible applicants include civil society organizations, women’s rights organizations, youth-led groups, networks, coalitions, consortiums, and organizations representing marginalized communities.
Can organizations apply for more than one component?
- Yes. Applicants may submit proposals covering one to three programme components.
What is the maximum funding available under Component 5?
- Component 5 has a maximum budget allocation of USD 200,000.
What is the maximum funding available under Component 6?
- Component 6 has a maximum budget allocation of USD 548,000.
What is the maximum funding available under Component 7?
- Component 7 has a maximum budget allocation of USD 200,000.
Are consortium applications encouraged?
- Yes. UN Women encourages consortium and partnership applications to strengthen implementation capacity and promote inclusive participation.
Conclusion
The UN Women Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Programme 2.0 provides a significant opportunity for civil society organizations across Africa to advance gender equality, strengthen survivor-centred services, and contribute to ending violence against women and girls. Through support for advocacy, organizational strengthening, and inclusive partnerships, the programme seeks to create sustainable and transformative change across the continent.
For more information, visit UN Women.
