Deadline: 18-Mar-2026

UN Women is seeking proposals from NGOs in Bangladesh to provide integrated essential services for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), including shelter support and women’s economic empowerment programs. The 24-month project, funded by the European Union, targets high-risk districts and aims to strengthen gender-responsive policies, prevent violence, and enhance civil society engagement.

Overview of the Project

The project, titled “GBV – WEE Integrated Essential Services for Survivors of Violence”, is part of UN Women’s broader initiative “Ending sexual and gender-based violence in public spaces, workplaces, and tertiary educational settings in Bangladesh.” The initiative aims to:

• Eliminate discrimination and violence against women and girls

• Promote women’s empowerment and economic independence

• Strengthen gender-responsive laws, policies, and government investment

• Enhance civil society participation, including women’s rights organizations, youth networks, and organizations for persons with disabilities

The project will provide integrated essential services to survivors of violence and focus on promoting both safety and women’s economic empowerment.

Geographic Focus

The project will be implemented at the national level in Dhaka and across selected local areas in five districts:

• Bogura

• Kurigram

• Khulna

• Barisal

• Sylhet

Within these districts, implementation will cover 20 unions and 10 upazilas, prioritizing areas with high prevalence of violence, child marriage, and climate vulnerabilities.

Project Duration and Budget

• Duration: 24 months (1 June 2026 – 31 May 2028)

• Budget Range: BDT 9,500,000 – BDT 10,000,000

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants must:

• Be a non-governmental organization (NGO) registered in Bangladesh

• Have at least seven years of organizational operation

• Possess minimum five years of relevant experience providing shelter support to GBV survivors and promoting women’s economic empowerment

• Demonstrate experience working with government and non-government service providers and national women’s machinery

Application Options:

• Individual NGO submissions

• Consortium proposals, with a designated lead agency responsible for submission and coordination

Consortium proposals must clearly define:

• Roles and scope of work of all partners

• Result areas and expected outcomes

• Coordination and monitoring mechanisms among partners

Key Focus Areas of the Project

• Provision of shelter-based services for GBV survivors

• Integrated women’s economic empowerment programs

• Strengthening gender-responsive laws, policies, and budgets

• Promoting attitudinal and behavioural change in institutions to prevent violence

• Enhancing the role of civil society and community-based organizations in GBV prevention

How to Apply

1. Confirm your NGO is registered and meets eligibility requirements.

2. Prepare a detailed proposal outlining project objectives, roles, results, and coordination plans (for consortiums).

3. Include a budget within BDT 9,500,000 – 10,000,000.

4. Demonstrate prior experience in shelter support and women’s economic empowerment programs.

5. Submit the proposal to UN Women Bangladesh by the specified deadline.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying as an unregistered or ineligible NGO

• Submitting proposals with unclear project roles or consortium coordination mechanisms

• Requesting a budget outside the defined BDT 9,500,000 – 10,000,000 range

• Failing to demonstrate relevant experience in GBV survivor support or women’s economic empowerment

• Ignoring geographic focus areas or project duration requirements

FAQs

1. Who can submit a proposal?
NGOs registered in Bangladesh with at least seven years of operation and five years of relevant experience.

2. Can multiple organizations apply together?
Yes, NGOs may submit as a consortium with a lead agency responsible for submission and coordination.

3. What is the project duration?
24 months, from 1 June 2026 to 31 May 2028.

4. What is the funding range?
BDT 9,500,000 – 10,000,000.

5. Which districts are eligible for project implementation?
Bogura, Kurigram, Khulna, Barisal, and Sylhet, plus national-level implementation in Dhaka.

6. What types of services are supported?
Shelter support for GBV survivors, integrated women’s economic empowerment services, advocacy, and institutional capacity-building.

7. Is prior experience required?
Yes, NGOs must demonstrate at least five years of experience in GBV survivor support and women’s economic empowerment programs.

Conclusion

This UN Women Bangladesh project provides a strategic opportunity for NGOs to deliver integrated GBV survivor services and women’s empowerment programs, addressing high-risk areas and strengthening institutional and community mechanisms. By funding experienced NGOs, the project aims to reduce violence, enhance safety, and promote equality and economic independence for women and girls across Bangladesh.

For more information, visit UN Women.