Apply Now: NGO “Educated Initiative” Capacity Project to prevent GBV (Ukraine)

Deadline: 15-Mar-2026

The NGO Educated Initiative, supported by UN Women Ukraine, is launching a nationwide program to strengthen women-led civil society organizations (CSOs) in combating gender-based violence (GBV). The project focuses on building institutional capacity, enhancing advocacy skills, improving operational efficiency, and reinforcing ethical and safety standards, with priority given to the Kharkiv region. Ten organizations will be competitively selected to participate in this comprehensive capacity-building initiative.

Project Overview

The initiative aims to empower women’s and women-led CSOs across Ukraine to prevent and respond to GBV effectively by:

• Strengthening institutional capacity in GBV prevention and response

• Enhancing advocacy skills to influence local and national policymaking

• Improving operational efficiency for delivering victim-centered services

• Ensuring compliance with ethical, safety, and statutory standards

• Building organizational resilience and sustainability

Key Focus Areas

1. Institutional Capacity Strengthening

   • Analysis of statutory and internal documents for GBV alignment

   • Identification of policy gaps, especially in ethical standards, safety, and prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse

   • Tailored recommendations for improving operational and ethical frameworks

   • Preparation of a Model CSO Security Policy with relevant annexes

   • Practical guidance sessions through working meetings

2. Advocacy Capacity Development

   • Specialized training on national and local GBV advocacy

   • Skills development for engaging with state authorities and local self-government bodies

   • Guidance on designing and implementing advocacy campaigns

   • Preparation of concepts for local advocacy initiatives to drive systemic change

3. Operational & Financial Support

   • Institutional financial support to enhance operational efficiency

   • Reinforcement of local advocacy initiatives

   • Promotion of victim-centered approaches in service delivery

   • Sustainable support for organizational stability and influence

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include:

• Women’s and women-led civil society organizations in Ukraine

• Initiative groups working or planning to work in GBV prevention and response

• Priority given to organizations based in or operating within the Kharkiv region

Project Phases

Phase 1: Institutional Capacity Strengthening

• Conduct analysis of internal policies and statutory documents

• Identify gaps in ethical and safety protocols

• Provide tailored recommendations for improvements

• Deliver working meetings and workshops on Model CSO Security Policy

Phase 2: Advocacy Capacity Development

• Deliver practical training in GBV advocacy

• Teach engagement with local authorities and policymakers

• Support development of local advocacy campaigns

• Equip organizations to influence systemic changes and address GBV effectively

Phase 3: Operational & Financial Support

• Provide funding to improve service delivery efficiency

• Strengthen local advocacy actions

• Enable organizations to implement victim-centered services

• Foster institutional resilience and long-term sustainability

Expected Outcomes

• Enhanced institutional and ethical capacity of selected CSOs

• Stronger advocacy impact at community and local government levels

• Improved operational efficiency and service delivery for GBV victims

• Increased stability and sustainability of women-led CSOs

• Strengthened local networks and professional collaboration

How to Apply

1. Confirm Eligibility: Ensure your organization is women-led or focused on GBV prevention in Ukraine

2. Prepare Documentation: Provide statutory and operational details, along with your prior experience in GBV work

3. Submit Application: Follow application instructions provided by Educated Initiative and UN Women

4. Selection Process: Participate in interviews, evaluations, and assessment for the 10 selected organizations

5. Implementation: Engage in training, capacity-building, and receive financial and operational support

FAQs

1. Who can apply?
Women-led CSOs or initiative groups working in GBV prevention across Ukraine, with priority for the Kharkiv region.

2. How many organizations will be selected?
Ten organizations will be competitively chosen to participate.

3. What support will organizations receive?
Tailored institutional capacity building, advocacy training, operational financial support, and guidance on ethical and safety standards.

4. What is the focus of advocacy training?
Enhancing engagement with state authorities, designing local campaigns, and driving systemic policy changes in GBV prevention.

5. Are financial resources included?
Yes, selected organizations will receive financial support to improve operational efficiency and victim-centered services.

6. What is the purpose of the Model CSO Security Policy?
To provide standardized guidance on ethical standards, safety, and the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse for CSOs working on GBV.

7. How does this project impact communities?
It strengthens women-led CSOs, enabling them to provide safer, more effective services for GBV survivors and advocate for systemic change in local communities.

Conclusion

This initiative by Educated Initiative and UN Women Ukraine offers a strategic opportunity to strengthen the capacity, advocacy, and operational effectiveness of women-led CSOs tackling gender-based violence. By fostering professional stability, ethical compliance, and community-centered advocacy, the project aims to create a safer, more resilient, and empowered environment for survivors and local communities across Ukraine.

For more information, visit Public Space.