Open Call: Gender Empowerment Now! Training Programme

The UNITAR Gender Empowerment Now! Training Programme – Cycle 6 supports NGO representatives and independent activists in the Middle East and North Africa to strengthen skills in gender equality, women’s empowerment, and peacebuilding. Selected participants will design and facilitate community workshops, develop training materials, and gain practical tools to advance gender mainstreaming within their organizations and local communities.

About the Programme

The programme is designed to build the capacity of gender practitioners to implement gender-responsive initiatives and promote gender equality in institutional and community settings. Participants will:

• Apply gender mainstreaming principles in organizational and community contexts

• Plan and facilitate participatory workshops for local communities

• Develop training materials and manuals

• Track and document the impact of gender-focused activities

Workshop Implementation

Each participant will:

• Organize and facilitate an in-person workshop for 15–20 individuals in their country

• Receive logistical support from national partner NGOs

• Prepare a workshop report, including photos, participant testimonies, and key insights

• Receive financial support to implement the community workshop

Workshops aim to:

• Promote gender equality

• Strengthen women’s empowerment

• Build local capacity for gender mainstreaming

Who Can Apply

Eligibility requirements include:

• Gender practitioners or professionals in civil society organizations in the MENA region

• Aged 28–45 years

• Fluent in Arabic (spoken and written)

• Minimum 2 years affiliation with the same organization

• Active role in programme implementation, policy, advocacy, or capacity-building

• Experience or potential in training, facilitation, or knowledge sharing

• Availability for all online sessions and programme activities

Preference is given to candidates affiliated with women’s rights organizations or institutions where women’s and girls’ rights are a primary focus.

Organizational Support

Applicants must secure:

• A letter of support from their organization or local partner confirming their willingness to host the community workshop

National NGOs are expected to provide:

• Logistical support for workshops

• Assistance with facilitation

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Expertise in gender equality and gender mainstreaming

• Applicant’s institutional role and potential for community impact

• Experience in training, facilitation, or knowledge sharing

• Motivation to share and multiply knowledge within networks

Final selections will ensure balanced representation across participating MENA countries.

Why This Programme Matters

This initiative empowers gender practitioners to:

• Strengthen organizational capacity in gender mainstreaming

• Multiply knowledge through community workshops

• Contribute to women’s empowerment, social inclusion, and peacebuilding at the local level

• Build networks and partnerships across the MENA region

How to Apply / What to Do

1. Confirm eligibility – Check age, experience, language, and regional requirements

2. Secure organizational support – Obtain a letter confirming your workshop hosting

3. Prepare your application – Highlight your expertise, facilitation experience, and motivation

4. Demonstrate potential impact – Explain how you will apply learnings in your community and organization

5. Submit application before the deadline – Ensure full participation availability for all sessions

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Failing to meet the age or experience requirements

• Not securing a letter of support from your organization

• Ignoring the requirement for full online session participation

• Providing limited evidence of training or facilitation experience

• Applying without clear plans for community impact or knowledge multiplication

FAQs

Who is eligible to apply?

NGO representatives and independent activists aged 28–45 in the MENA region, fluent in Arabic, with at least 2 years of relevant experience.

What will participants do?

Participants will facilitate in-person community workshops, develop training materials, and track gender-focused project impact.

How are workshops supported?

National partner NGOs provide logistical and facilitation assistance, and participants receive financial support for implementation.

What experience is required?

Applicants should have training, facilitation, or knowledge-sharing experience and be in a position to apply gender mainstreaming practices in their organization.

Is organizational endorsement required?

Yes. A letter of support from your organization or local partner is mandatory to host the community workshop.

How are applications evaluated?

Evaluation considers expertise in gender equality, institutional role, facilitation experience, motivation, and potential community impact.

Final Takeaway

The UNITAR Gender Empowerment Now! Cycle 6 programme equips gender practitioners with the skills, tools, and practical experience to advance gender equality, women’s empowerment, and social inclusion. By facilitating community workshops and sharing knowledge, participants strengthen their organizations and contribute to sustainable gender-focused development in the MENA region.