Deadline: 24-Jul-2025
The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) is calling for proposals from national Civil Society Organisations and Non-Governmental Organisations in Sri Lanka. The initiative aims to implement programs that shift harmful social norms and foster behavior change supporting gender equality and violence prevention under the THRIVE project—Together for Her: Resilience-building, Inclusivity, and Voices for Equality in Sri Lanka.
THRIVE focuses on strengthening the economic and social resilience of marginalized women by equipping them with tools to navigate crises, insecurity, and the growing impacts of climate change. The broader aim is to ensure that these women are economically and socially empowered and better prepared to withstand challenges in a changing climate and uncertain environments.
The grant offers funding between USD 500,000 and USD 510,000. The project is structured around three interlinked outcomes: enhancing women’s economic empowerment, promoting shifts in harmful social norms, and encouraging women’s participation in leadership and decision-making processes.
Activities under the project will include conducting baseline and endline surveys to understand prevailing social attitudes, values, and beliefs in six districts—Badulla, Monaragala, Nuwara Eliya, Mannar, Kilinochchi, and Colombo. Based on findings, the selected organisation will adapt and implement proven methodologies for behavior change interventions tailored to each district.
The initiative will involve community mobilization efforts using creative approaches such as edutainment, forum theatre, and puppetry. It will also include gender-transformative curricula delivered through sessions for individuals, couples, families, and community members, as well as training for community leaders.
The project will support ongoing monitoring and the identification of local champions or allies who can sustain change. Activities like women’s safety audits, activism training, and long-term engagement with influential community members are key components of the plan. These follow-up sessions are critical for maintaining momentum and measuring progress.
Eligible organisations must be legally registered in Sri Lanka and have a clean legal and financial record. They must also have a minimum of six years’ experience implementing community-based and gender-transformative initiatives, particularly those involving social norms and behavior change. Proven experience in engaging men to promote gender equality and conducting intensive work at the household and community level is also required.
For more information, visit UN Women.