Deadline: 10-Jul-2026
The SHAPE-SEA Program supports Southeast Asian researchers in studying anti-harassment systems and patriarchal institutional structures across ASEAN Member States. It funds evidence-based research on why sexual and gender-based violence policies often fail in practice despite legal frameworks. Selected scholars receive up to THB 80,000 and present findings at a regional policy dialogue with key ASEAN stakeholders.
Overview of the SHAPE-SEA Program
The SHAPE-SEA Program is a regional research funding initiative designed to generate policy-relevant evidence on anti-harassment systems in Southeast Asia. It focuses on understanding how institutional structures and patriarchal norms shape responses to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
The program emphasizes:
- Evidence-based research on anti-harassment policies
- Institutional analysis of power and accountability systems
- Policy relevance for ASEAN Member States
- Translation of research into actionable reform strategies
- Regional collaboration among scholars and policymakers
Core Research Focus Areas
The program prioritizes research that examines systemic barriers to effective anti-harassment implementation.
Key areas of investigation include:
- Effectiveness of anti-harassment and SGBV policies in institutions
- Influence of patriarchal institutional cultures on reporting systems
- Barriers to complaint handling and investigation processes
- Role of hierarchy and power imbalance in institutional responses
- Impact of fear, silence, and retaliation on survivors
- Informal protection networks for powerful individuals
- Normalization of gender inequality in workplaces and public institutions
Structural and Social Challenges Addressed
The program highlights deeply embedded challenges that weaken institutional accountability systems.
These include:
- Hierarchical authority structures that discourage reporting
- Institutional silence around harassment cases
- Victim-blaming practices in disciplinary systems
- Fear of retaliation among complainants
- Weak enforcement and accountability mechanisms
- Informal shielding of influential actors
- Cultural norms reinforcing gender inequality
Purpose and Expected Outcomes
The SHAPE-SEA initiative aims to produce research that directly informs institutional reform and policy development.
Expected outcomes include:
- Improved understanding of why anti-harassment reforms fail in practice
- Evidence-based recommendations for institutional change
- Strengthened accountability systems in ASEAN institutions
- Enhanced collaboration between researchers and policymakers
- Practical strategies for improving complaint and reporting mechanisms
Funding Details
The program provides targeted financial support for individual research projects.
Funding structure:
- Maximum grant amount: THB 80,000
- Covers:
- Research expenses
- Writing and dissemination fees
- Purpose:
- Support production of policy-relevant research outputs
- Enable participation in regional knowledge-sharing activities
Eligibility Criteria
The program is designed for Southeast Asia-based researchers with relevant expertise.
Eligible applicants include:
- Southeast Asian scholar-practitioners
- Academic researchers
- Policy researchers and practitioners
- Individuals affiliated with recognized institutions in Southeast Asia
Eligibility conditions:
- Must be currently based in Southeast Asia
- Research may build on ongoing work
- Research must be unpublished at the time of submission
- Must demonstrate relevance to anti-harassment systems and institutional analysis
Ineligible submissions:
- Previously published research outputs
- Applicants outside Southeast Asia
- Non-affiliated individuals (without institutional linkage)
Regional Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing
A key component of the program is dissemination and policy engagement.
Selected researchers will:
- Present findings at a regional dialogue platform
- Engage with:
- SHAPE-SEA
- ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC)
- Gender and Development Studies Program at AIT
- Contribute to discussions on institutional reform strategies
- Help translate research into actionable policy recommendations
Why This Program Matters
The SHAPE-SEA Program addresses systemic gaps between policy and practice in anti-harassment systems.
Key significance includes:
- Strengthening understanding of institutional barriers to justice
- Improving gender equality and workplace safety across ASEAN
- Supporting evidence-based policy reform
- Enhancing survivor-centered reporting systems
- Challenging patriarchal institutional norms
- Building regional collaboration on gender justice issues
How It Works / Implementation Flow
The program follows a research-to-policy engagement model.
Step-by-step structure:
- Researchers submit proposals focused on anti-harassment systems
- Applications are reviewed based on relevance and policy impact potential
- Selected researchers receive funding up to THB 80,000
- Research is conducted within the defined scope
- Findings are prepared as policy-relevant outputs
- Researchers present results at a regional multi-stakeholder dialogue
- Outputs are used to inform institutional reform discussions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Submitting previously published research
- Failing to demonstrate Southeast Asia-based affiliation
- Weak connection to anti-harassment or institutional analysis themes
- Purely theoretical research without policy relevance
- Lack of clarity on methodology or evidence base
- Ignoring regional dissemination requirements
Tips for a Strong Application
To improve selection chances:
- Focus on clear institutional analysis of harassment systems
- Link research directly to policy and reform outcomes
- Highlight lived institutional realities and power structures
- Ensure strong methodological grounding
- Demonstrate regional relevance across ASEAN contexts
- Emphasize practical recommendations for institutional change
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main goal of the SHAPE-SEA Program?
- To generate evidence on why anti-harassment systems often fail in practice
- To support policy-relevant research on institutional and gender power structures
Who can apply for this grant?
- Southeast Asian scholars, academics, and practitioner-researchers
- Applicants must be based in Southeast Asia and affiliated with an institution
What is the funding amount?
- Up to THB 80,000 per selected research project
What types of research are supported?
- Studies on anti-harassment policies
- Institutional analysis of gender-based violence systems
- Research on power structures and reporting mechanisms
Can previously published research be submitted?
- No, only unpublished research is eligible
What happens after selection?
- Researchers present findings at a regional dialogue with ASEAN and academic partners
- Research is used to inform policy and institutional reform discussions
Which organizations are involved in dissemination?
- SHAPE-SEA
- ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC)
- Gender and Development Studies Program at AIT
Conclusion
The SHAPE-SEA Program is a focused regional research funding initiative aimed at understanding and addressing systemic failures in anti-harassment and gender-based violence response systems across Southeast Asia. By supporting grounded, policy-relevant research and regional dialogue, it seeks to strengthen institutional accountability, improve survivor protection mechanisms, and promote gender-equitable reforms across ASEAN institutions.
For more information, visit SHAPE-SEA Program.