Deadline: 10-Jan-2026
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is inviting expressions of interest from women-led and women-focused coalitions to advance the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The call supports coalition-based projects promoting peacebuilding, social cohesion, gender equality, and women’s leadership, with funding of up to 40,000 BAM per project.
Programme Overview
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Bosnia and Herzegovina is seeking expressions of interest from women-led and women-focused coalitions to submit project proposals that support the localization and implementation of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda.
The call is issued under the project “Women Lead the Way Towards Peace and Security in Bosnia and Herzegovina”, implemented jointly by UN Women, UNFPA, and IOM, with funding from the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund.
Purpose of the Call
This initiative aims to strengthen women’s leadership, collective action, and participation in peace and security processes at the local level.
The programme focuses on empowering women and women-led organisations to collaborate across communities, influence policy, and contribute to peacebuilding, reconciliation, and social cohesion, particularly in areas affected by conflict, division, and recent floods.
Priority Focus Areas
Supported projects must align with the Women, Peace and Security agenda and address one or more of the following thematic priorities.
These include social cohesion and community resilience, peacebuilding and reconciliation, gender-sensitive security, women’s activism and leadership, gender equality, civic engagement, and positive peacebuilding narratives.
Additional priorities include coalition building among women-led organisations, youth participation with an emphasis on young women, cross-community cooperation, advocacy and policy influence, and strengthening women’s roles in communities affected by conflict and natural disasters.
Funding Amount and Scope
Funding of up to 40,000 BAM per project is available under this call.
Projects should contribute to the establishment or strengthening of women-led, issue-based coalitions that promote peace, security, and social cohesion within and between local communities.
Initiatives are expected to demonstrate collaboration, joint advocacy, inclusive participation, and potential for sustainable, long-term impact.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants are women-led or women-focused coalitions operating in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Coalitions should consist of civil society organisations committed to advancing women’s leadership, peacebuilding, and the Women, Peace and Security agenda at the local level.
Particular consideration is given to coalitions that actively engage young women and support communities affected by floods or post-conflict challenges.
What Types of Activities Are Supported?
Supported initiatives may include coalition-building activities, joint advocacy and policy engagement, community dialogue, leadership development, civic participation initiatives, and peacebuilding actions led by women.
Projects should demonstrate how collective action among women-led organisations contributes to stronger social cohesion, reconciliation, and inclusive security practices.
Why This Call Matters
Women play a critical role in peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and community resilience, yet are often underrepresented in formal decision-making processes.
By supporting women-led coalitions, this initiative strengthens local ownership of the WPS agenda and promotes inclusive, sustainable peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
How the Programme Works
Selected coalitions will receive funding to implement locally driven initiatives that align with WPS principles and peacebuilding objectives.
Projects are expected to foster cooperation across communities, amplify women’s voices in public and policy spaces, and contribute to measurable improvements in social cohesion and security.
Tips for a Strong Expression of Interest
Applicants should clearly explain how their coalition is structured and how members will collaborate throughout the project.
Strong proposals demonstrate a clear link between activities and WPS outcomes, realistic planning, and meaningful inclusion of young women and affected communities.
Projects with clear advocacy goals and sustainable coalition-building strategies are particularly relevant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is issuing this call for proposals?
The call is issued by the International Organization for Migration in Bosnia and Herzegovina under a joint UN project supported by the UN Peacebuilding Fund.
What is the maximum funding available per project?
Coalitions may apply for funding of up to 40,000 BAM per project.
Who can apply?
Women-led and women-focused coalitions of civil society organisations operating in Bosnia and Herzegovina are eligible.
What thematic areas must projects address?
Projects should align with the Women, Peace and Security agenda and may focus on peacebuilding, social cohesion, gender equality, advocacy, and women’s leadership.
Are young women a priority group?
Yes. Projects are encouraged to actively engage young women in leadership, advocacy, and peacebuilding activities.
Do projects need to address flood-affected communities?
While not mandatory, initiatives supporting communities affected by recent floods are strongly encouraged.
Conclusion
The IOM call for women-led and women-focused coalitions offers a significant opportunity to advance the Women, Peace and Security agenda in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
By supporting collective action, advocacy, and inclusive leadership, the programme strengthens women’s roles in peacebuilding and contributes to more resilient, cohesive, and equitable communities.
For more information, visit International Organization for Migration.
