Gender Equality: ESF+ Éist Gender Equality Funding Call (Ireland)

The ESF+ Éist Gender Equality Funding Call 2026 is expected to support projects in Ireland that promote gender equality, improve women’s access to employment, strengthen career progression, and increase economic empowerment. The funding programme will provide grants of €100,000 to €200,000 for projects that address barriers caused by gender inequality and support women’s participation in the labour market.

About the ESF+ Éist Gender Equality Funding Call 2026

The Department of Children, Disability and Equality is expected to launch the ESF+ Éist Gender Equality Funding Call in August 2026 to support initiatives that advance gender equality and improve economic opportunities for women across Ireland.

The programme is part of Ireland’s Employment, Inclusion, Skills and Training (EIST) Programme, funded through the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) for 2021–2027.

The funding aims to support practical projects that remove barriers preventing women from accessing employment, training, career development, and economic opportunities.

Purpose of the Funding Programme

The main goal of the ESF+ Éist Gender Equality Funding Call is to strengthen women’s participation in economic and social life by supporting projects that:

• Promote gender equality.
• Increase women’s access to employment.
• Improve participation in skills development and training.
• Support career advancement.
• Strengthen women’s economic independence.
• Address gender-based inequalities and disadvantage.

The programme recognises that women may experience multiple barriers, including social, economic, and structural inequalities that affect their ability to participate fully in the labour market.

Key Focus Areas

Projects supported under this call should focus on the following areas:

Women’s Employment Opportunities

Projects may support women by:

• Improving access to employment opportunities.
• Providing employment support services.
• Encouraging workforce participation.
• Reducing barriers to entering or returning to work.

Skills Development and Training

Funding may support initiatives that:

• Improve access to education and training.
• Provide career-related skills.
• Support women in gaining qualifications.
• Increase confidence and workplace readiness.

Career Progression and Leadership

Projects may help women to:

• Progress in their careers.
• Access professional development opportunities.
• Overcome workplace barriers.
• Develop leadership skills.

Economic Empowerment

Supported projects should contribute to women’s economic independence through:

• Improved employment outcomes.
• Increased financial security.
• Greater access to economic opportunities.
• Support for women facing disadvantage.

Funding Information

The ESF+ Éist Gender Equality Funding Call is expected to provide:

• Total available funding: €950,000
• Grant amount per project: €100,000–€200,000
• Expected project duration: 52 weeks

Projects are expected to operate from late 2026 into 2027.

Additional Project Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate that proposed projects:

• Provide activities beyond existing programmes.
• Create additional value for women beneficiaries.
• Address specific gender equality challenges.
• Deliver measurable outcomes.

Existing services without additional activities or improvements may not meet the funding requirements.

Who Is Eligible?

Applications will be accepted from:

• Public sector organisations.
• Private sector organisations.
• Voluntary organisations.
• Community organisations.

Eligible applicants must demonstrate the ability to deliver projects aligned with the objectives of the ESF+ Éist Gender Equality Funding Call.

Who Can Benefit From Supported Projects?

Projects should support women who experience barriers related to:

• Gender inequality.
• Limited employment opportunities.
• Skills gaps.
• Career progression challenges.
• Economic disadvantage.
• Multiple forms of social exclusion.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these general steps:

Step 1: Develop a Project Idea

Applicants should identify:

• The gender equality issue being addressed.
• The target group of women who will benefit.
• The barriers preventing participation.
• The expected outcomes.

Step 2: Design an Eligible Project

Projects should include:

• Clear activities.
• Defined objectives.
• Measurable results.
• Evidence-based approaches.
• Additional activities beyond existing services.

Step 3: Prepare the Application

Applicants should prepare:

• Organisation details.
• Project description.
• Implementation plan.
• Budget information.
• Expected outcomes and impact.

Step 4: Submit Through the Official Funding Process

Applicants must submit proposals according to the official ESF+ Éist Gender Equality Funding Call guidelines when the call opens.

Assessment Criteria

Applications are expected to be assessed based on:

• Alignment with gender equality objectives.
• Quality of project design.
• Impact on women’s employment and empowerment.
• Ability to deliver proposed activities.
• Value for money.
• Sustainability of outcomes.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Gender inequality continues to affect women’s participation in employment, career advancement, and economic decision-making.

This funding opportunity helps organisations develop solutions that:

• Create fairer employment opportunities.
• Support women facing disadvantage.
• Improve access to skills and training.
• Strengthen women’s financial independence.
• Promote inclusive economic growth.

By investing in gender equality initiatives, the programme contributes to a more inclusive labour market and stronger communities across Ireland.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

• Clearly explain the gender inequality challenge.
• Provide evidence of community need.
• Define measurable outcomes.
• Show how women will participate and benefit.
• Demonstrate partnership and collaboration.
• Explain how activities go beyond existing programmes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting projects that only continue existing activities.
• Failing to identify specific barriers faced by women.
• Providing unclear outcomes.
• Creating unrealistic budgets.
• Not explaining how project impact will be measured.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ESF+ Éist Gender Equality Funding Call?

It is a funding initiative under Ireland’s ESF+ Employment, Inclusion, Skills and Training Programme that supports projects promoting gender equality and women’s economic empowerment.

When will the funding call open?

The Department of Children, Disability and Equality is expected to launch the call in August 2026.

How much funding can projects receive?

Eligible projects may receive grants between €100,000 and €200,000.

How long will funded projects operate?

Projects are expected to run for 52 weeks, from late 2026 into 2027.

Who can apply for funding?

Public sector organisations, private sector organisations, and voluntary and community organisations may apply if they can deliver eligible projects.

What types of activities will be supported?

Activities that improve women’s employment access, training participation, career progression, and economic empowerment will be supported.

Must projects be new initiatives?

Projects must demonstrate additional activities beyond existing programmes and show added value for beneficiaries.

Conclusion

The ESF+ Éist Gender Equality Funding Call 2026 provides an important opportunity for organisations in Ireland to develop initiatives that improve women’s employment opportunities, career development, and economic empowerment. By supporting projects that address gender inequality and disadvantage, the programme aims to create a more inclusive workforce and strengthen women’s participation in Ireland’s economy.

Funded organisations will be expected to deliver projects according to approved plans, demonstrate effective use of funding, monitor outcomes, and provide required reporting to ensure transparency, accountability, and long-term impact.