CFPs: Transforming Social Norms for Gender Equality (Bolivia)

Deadline: 11-Mar-2026

UN Women, in partnership with UNICEF and UNFPA, is funding a Bolivia-based initiative to transform social norms, strengthen sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and combat gender-based violence (GBV). With funding of USD 170,000–180,000, the project “Raise Your Voice” targets vulnerable women and girls in Cobija, Trinidad, and El Alto, focusing on community-level behavioral change, engagement of men, and improved access to quality services.

Overview of the Initiative

The project, implemented under UN Women’s Strategic Note 2023–2027 and aligned with the UN Complementarity Framework for Living Well in Bolivia 2023–2027, aims to:

• Transform social norms limiting sexual and reproductive rights

• Promote a life free from sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV)

• Engage men and communities to foster positive social behavior

• Strengthen availability and quality of SRHR services

• Support Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality

The initiative combines service improvement with community transformation, ensuring women and girls can exercise their rights safely and without discrimination.

Funding Details

• Funding source: Embassy of Canada

• Implementing agencies: UN Women, UNICEF, UNFPA

• Budget: USD 170,000–180,000

• Implementation period: March 2026 – September 2027

• Renewal: Possible under same terms as determined by UN Women

Target Areas

The initiative is implemented in the municipalities of Cobija, Trinidad, and El Alto, focusing on communities where women and girls face multiple barriers to exercising their SRHR and living free from violence.

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants include:

• Networks of NGOs, including regional networks, coalitions, or consortiums of feminist and women’s organizations

• Organizations with legal status may apply directly

• Networks may apply through a representative organization, clearly stated in the application

Partnerships

• NGOs may partner with other NGOs for implementation

• One organization serves as project lead

• Budget to sub-partners cannot exceed 60% of total proposal budget

Project Objectives

1. Transform Social Norms:

   • Encourage behavioral and attitudinal change in communities

   • Engage men in promoting gender equality

2. Strengthen SRHR Services:

   • Improve access to and quality of sexual and reproductive health services

   • Ensure services meet the needs of the most vulnerable women and girls

3. Prevent and Respond to SGBV:

   • Create community-level mechanisms supporting safe spaces

   • Promote awareness and adherence to women’s rights

4. Empower Communities:

   • Build capacity of feminist and women-led organizations

   • Facilitate community participation and advocacy

How the Program Works

1. Application Submission:

   • Networks, coalitions, consortiums, or individual NGOs submit proposals aligned with project objectives.

2. Lead Organization Role:

   • Acts as primary recipient of funds

   • Manages sub-partner allocations (≤60% of total budget)

3. Implementation:

   • Projects carried out in Cobija, Trinidad, and El Alto

   • Focus on SRHR service improvements, behavioral change, and GBV prevention

4. Monitoring and Reporting:

   • Regular reporting to UN Women on progress, impact, and financial use

5. Potential Renewal:

   • UN Women may extend funding under same terms for subsequent periods

Key Considerations

• Proposals must demonstrate capacity to implement multi-level interventions

• Projects should integrate community engagement and behavioral change strategies

• Collaboration between organizations is encouraged but requires a clear lead organization

• Funds cannot be reallocated beyond the 60% sub-partner limit

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is eligible to apply?

• Networks of NGOs, coalitions, consortiums of feminist/women’s organizations, or legally registered NGOs implementing programs in Cobija, Trinidad, or El Alto.

2. Can organizations apply in partnership?

• Yes, but one organization must serve as the lead, and sub-partner allocations cannot exceed 60% of the total budget.

3. What is the total funding available?

• USD 170,000–180,000 for the initial implementation period.

4. What is the implementation timeline?

• March 2026 – September 2027, with potential renewal.

5. What are the project priorities?

• Transform social norms

• Strengthen SRHR services

• Prevent and respond to SGBV

• Engage men and communities in promoting women’s rights

6. Can individual NGOs apply without a network?

• Yes, organizations with legal status may apply directly.

7. What reporting is required?

• Progress, impact, and financial reporting to UN Women according to the agreement.

Conclusion

The Raise Your Voice project empowers vulnerable women and girls in Bolivia by transforming social norms, strengthening SRHR services, and preventing SGBV. Through collaborative implementation by NGOs, networks, and feminist organizations, this initiative fosters community engagement, behavioral change, and safer, more equitable environments, supporting long-term gender equality and the full exercise of women’s and girls’ rights.

For more information, visit UN Women.