RFPs: Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Women’s Empowerment (Mauritania)

Deadline: 23-Apr-2026

The European Commission invites civil society organizations in Mauritania to apply for grants supporting gender equality, prevention of gender-based violence, and socioeconomic empowerment of women and girls. Funding up to EUR 1,135,000 per project enables initiatives that strengthen local capacities, align with national policies, and improve protection, care, and economic opportunities for women.

Overview

This initiative aims to advance gender equality and strengthen civil society in Mauritania by supporting projects that prevent gender-based violence, improve protection mechanisms, and empower women and girls economically. The program aligns with Mauritania’s national strategies and EU development priorities, addressing systemic challenges while promoting sustainable social and economic outcomes.

Objectives

• Prevent gender-based violence at the local level

• Improve access to protection, care, and legal recourse for women and girls

• Promote economic empowerment through income-generating opportunities and sustainable livelihoods

• Strengthen civil society organizations’ capacities, particularly at the local level

• Support approaches based on human rights, gender equality, and cultural context

• Complement and synergize with EU and national initiatives

Funding Details

• Total indicative funding: EUR 2,270,000, split between two thematic lots

• Maximum grant per lot/project: EUR 1,135,000

• Funding can support activities such as capacity-building, prevention programs, legal and health services, and income-generating initiatives

Context

Mauritania has a young population, with 61% under age 25, and women constitute just over half of the population. Despite ratifying international conventions on women’s rights and implementing national strategies like the National Observatory for the Rights of Women and Girls (2020), challenges persist:

• Limited detection, prosecution, and victim support mechanisms for gender-based violence

• Need for strengthened shelters, local support structures, and preventive units

• Economic barriers restricting women’s access to markets, financial resources, and technical skills

The program complements key national strategies:

• Strategic Plan to Combat Domestic Violence: Strengthening legal frameworks, organizational capacities, and victim support

• National Gender Institutionalization Strategy: Enhancing women’s access to production factors, financial resources, technical skills, and markets

• Health Sector Support Programme: Promoting equitable access to quality health services

Who is Eligible

• Non-profit legal entities operating in Mauritania

• Minimum five years of operational experience, with at least three years of active presence in Mauritania

• Must act directly and collaborate with co-applicants

• Projects must align with thematic objectives: gender-based violence prevention and women’s socioeconomic empowerment

How to Apply

1. Confirm eligibility: Ensure organizational experience, presence in Mauritania, and thematic alignment

2. Develop project proposal: Include objectives, expected outcomes, methodology, target groups, and alignment with national policies

3. Include co-applicants: Demonstrate collaborative efforts with relevant organizations

4. Prepare budget and timeline: Clearly detail funding needs, activity schedule, and expected impact

5. Submit application: Follow the EU grant submission portal requirements and deadlines

Tips for Applicants

• Focus on sustainable and measurable impact for women and girls

• Ensure integration with national strategies and EU programs

• Highlight local partnerships and community engagement

• Provide clear monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track progress

• Emphasize cultural sensitivity and human rights-based approaches

FAQs

1. Who can apply for this grant?
Non-profit legal entities with at least five years of operational experience in Mauritania and three years of presence in the country.

2. What types of projects are supported?
Projects that prevent gender-based violence, improve access to protection and care, and empower women economically.

3. What is the maximum funding available per project?
EUR 1,135,000 per project under each thematic lot.

4. Are co-applicants allowed?
Yes, collaboration with co-applicants is required and encouraged.

5. What national strategies does this initiative support?
It aligns with the Strategic Plan to Combat Domestic Violence, the National Gender Institutionalization Strategy, and the Health Sector Support Programme.

6. Can individuals apply?
No, only eligible non-profit legal entities are allowed to apply.

7. What are key success factors for applications?
Strong alignment with gender equality and empowerment objectives, measurable impact, local engagement, human rights-based approach, and integration with national and EU initiatives.

Conclusion

This European Commission grant provides a strategic opportunity for civil society organizations in Mauritania to strengthen gender equality, prevent violence, and empower women and girls economically. By combining funding with capacity-building, policy alignment, and community engagement, applicants can contribute to sustainable social change and equitable development across Mauritania.

For more information, visit EC.