CFPs: Strengthening Multi-Sectoral GBV Response Systems

Deadline: 17-Apr-2026

The United Nations Population Fund India is inviting proposals for an 8-month technical assistance program to strengthen Gender-Based Violence (GBV) response systems across multiple states. The initiative focuses on improving survivor-centered care, multi-sector coordination, and economic empowerment for women in shelter homes. Eligible organizations can implement system-wide improvements across One Stop Centres (OSCs) and Shakti Sadan homes.

What Is the UNFPA GBV Systems Strengthening Initiative?

This initiative by United Nations Population Fund India aims to improve how institutions respond to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) through a system-level approach.

Key Goal

To create efficient, coordinated, and survivor-focused support systems across:

• Health services

• Police and legal systems

• Social welfare services

The program emphasizes:

• Rights-based care

• Disability inclusion

• Standardized service delivery

What Is Gender-Based Violence (GBV)? (Key Concept)

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) refers to harmful acts directed at individuals based on gender.

Examples of GBV

• Domestic violence

• Sexual abuse

• Emotional and psychological abuse

• Economic deprivation

Survivor-Centered Approach

A survivor-centered model ensures:

• Safety and dignity of survivors

• Confidentiality

• Respect for individual choices

• Access to comprehensive support services

Program Objectives

The initiative focuses on strengthening GBV systems through:

1. Quality of Care Improvement

• Survivor-centered and rights-based services

• Disability-inclusive service delivery

2. Multi-Sector Coordination

• Integration across:

  • Police

  • Healthcare

  • Legal systems

  • Social services

3. Referral Systems & Information Sharing

• Standardized referral protocols

• Improved case tracking and coordination

4. Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL)

• Data-driven decision-making

• Costing models for scalability

• Continuous improvement frameworks

5. Capacity Building

• Training and mentoring of staff

• Institutionalizing GBV case management systems

6. Economic Empowerment

• Livelihood pathways for women in shelter homes

• Skill-building and income generation initiatives

Focus Areas: One Stop Centres and Shakti Sadan

One Stop Centres (OSCs)

Government-supported centers that provide:

• Medical assistance

• Legal aid

• Counseling

• Shelter support

Shakti Sadan Shelter Homes

Facilities that:

• Provide safe housing for women in distress

• Support rehabilitation and reintegration

The program aims to turn these into model centers with:

• High-quality service delivery

• Standardized protocols

• Replicable systems

Geographic Coverage

The program will be implemented across 12 sites in:

• Madhya Pradesh

• Odisha

• Rajasthan

• Karnataka

• Punjab

• Andhra Pradesh

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible Organizations

• Registered non-profit organizations (NGOs)

• Academic institutions

• Think tanks

• Social enterprises

Additional Eligibility Criteria

• Proven experience in GBV response

• Expertise in systems strengthening

• Ability to manage multi-sector projects

Consortium Applications

Organizations can apply as a consortium, including:

• Disability inclusion experts

• Mental health specialists

• Livelihood and employment partners

• Communication agencies

A lead organization must:

• Take overall responsibility

• Coordinate all partners

Why This Initiative Matters

Strengthens GBV Response Systems

• Improves coordination between institutions

• Ensures faster and more effective survivor support

Improves Survivor Experience

• Dignified, timely, and holistic care

• Reduced system gaps and delays

Builds Long-Term Capacity

• Institutionalizes training and systems

• Creates scalable and replicable models

Supports Women’s Economic Independence

• Provides livelihood pathways

• Promotes long-term recovery and reintegration

How the Program Works (Implementation Phases)

The project runs over 8 months in structured phases:

Phase 1: Inception & Baseline

• Needs assessment

• Service mapping

• Infrastructure audits

Phase 2: System Design & Training

• Staff training programs

• Development of communication materials

• Protocol design

Phase 3: Implementation

• Infrastructure improvements

• Referral system rollout

• Launch of economic empowerment initiatives

Phase 4: Mentoring & Quality Improvement

• Ongoing staff mentoring

• Continuous system refinement

• Monitoring service quality

Phase 5: Evaluation & Scale-Up

• Endline evaluation

• Costing analysis

• Documentation of learnings

• Dissemination for replication

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Review Program Requirements

   • Understand objectives, scope, and deliverables

2. Prepare a Technical Proposal

   • Define approach to GBV systems strengthening

   • Include implementation plan and timelines

3. Build Partnerships (If Applicable)

   • Form a consortium with specialized partners

4. Develop Budget & Costing Model

   • Include detailed financial planning

5. Submit Application

   • Ensure all required documents are complete

6. Engage with Stakeholders

   • Be prepared to collaborate with UNFPA and government bodies

Tips for a Strong Proposal

Best Practices

• Align with survivor-centered and rights-based frameworks

• Demonstrate experience in multi-sector coordination

• Include measurable outcomes (e.g., improved service delivery metrics)

• Show scalability and replication potential

• Integrate economic empowerment strategies

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Lack of clear implementation roadmap

• Weak coordination strategy across sectors

• Ignoring disability inclusion

• Unrealistic timelines or budgets

• Limited focus on measurable impact

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the duration of the project?

The program runs for 8 months.

2. What is the main objective?

To strengthen GBV response systems and improve survivor care across multiple sectors.

3. Who can apply?

NGOs, academic institutions, think tanks, and social enterprises with relevant experience.

4. Can organizations apply in partnership?

Yes, consortium-based applications are encouraged.

5. Which areas will the project cover?

Twelve sites across six Indian states, excluding other regions.

6. What types of activities are included?

• Training and mentoring

• Infrastructure audits

• Referral system development

• Economic empowerment programs

7. Will organizations work with the government?

Yes, selected partners will coordinate with government stakeholders at state and district levels.

Final Takeaway

The UNFPA India GBV Systems Strengthening Initiative 2026 is a high-impact opportunity to transform how institutions respond to gender-based violence. By combining capacity building, system reform, and economic empowerment, the program aims to deliver consistent, survivor-centered care across India.

Organizations with strong expertise in GBV response, multi-sector coordination, and scalable program design are well-positioned to contribute to this initiative and drive meaningful, long-term change.

For more information, visit UNFPA.