Deadline: 28-Jun-2026
The GRÓ Gender Equality Studies and Training Programme (GRÓ GEST), in partnership with the Embassy of Iceland in Lilongwe and Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), is offering a blended learning programme in Malawi focused on ending violence through human rights advocacy. The programme combines online learning, advocacy plan development, and an intensive in-person workshop, with a USD 6,000 seed funding opportunity available for the most impactful advocacy initiative.
Program Overview
The GRÓ Gender Equality Studies and Training Programme (GRÓ GEST) at the University of Iceland, together with the Embassy of Iceland in Lilongwe and Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), is inviting applications for a blended learning programme linked to the launch of its online course, Ending Violence Through Human Rights Advocacy.
The programme aims to strengthen the knowledge, leadership, and advocacy skills of professionals working to prevent violence and promote human rights, gender equality, and social justice in Malawi. Through a combination of online learning, practical advocacy planning, and in-person collaboration, participants will develop concrete initiatives that address violence and discrimination within their communities and professional sectors.
The programme adopts a rights-based and gender-transformative approach, encouraging participants to examine violence as a structural, political, and human rights issue while developing practical strategies for change.
Focus Areas
The programme supports learning and advocacy initiatives related to:
- Violence prevention and response.
- Human rights advocacy.
- Gender equality and women’s empowerment.
- Gender-transformative approaches.
- Men and boys’ engagement.
- Masculinities and social norms.
- Gendered power structures.
- Community mobilisation and social change.
- Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
- Peacebuilding and conflict prevention.
- Justice and accountability.
- Disability inclusion.
- Refugee and displaced community support.
- Workplace inclusion and equality.
- Safeguarding policies and practices.
- Institutional accountability mechanisms.
- Rights-based advocacy and policy reform.
Participants are encouraged to connect these themes to real-world challenges and opportunities within their communities and professional environments.
Program Structure
The programme is delivered through three interconnected phases designed to build knowledge, advocacy skills, and practical implementation capacity.
Phase 1: Online Course
Duration: 10 August – 21 September 2026
Participants will complete the online course Ending Violence Through Human Rights Advocacy.
Learning activities include:
- Interactive learning modules.
- Guided readings and course materials.
- Online discussions and reflections.
- Peer learning and knowledge exchange.
- Advocacy planning exercises.
- Analysis of violence through human rights and gender equality frameworks.
Participants will explore the root causes of violence and examine strategies for promoting sustainable social change.
Phase 2: Advocacy Plan Development
Duration: 22 September – 11 October 2026
During this phase, participants will refine and strengthen an advocacy initiative connected to their professional or community context.
Participants will:
- Develop a practical advocacy plan.
- Define clear advocacy goals.
- Identify key stakeholders and decision-makers.
- Assess implementation opportunities and challenges.
- Create realistic action pathways.
- Prepare a draft proposal for potential implementation.
Applicants must submit a preliminary advocacy idea as part of their application.
Phase 3: In-Person Intensive Workshop
Duration: 12–14 October 2026
Location: Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), Lilongwe, Malawi
Participants who successfully complete the online course and submit a draft advocacy plan will be invited to attend a three-day intensive workshop.
Workshop activities include:
- Peer learning sessions.
- Expert-led discussions.
- Collaborative problem-solving exercises.
- Advocacy strategy development.
- Feedback and mentoring.
- Plan refinement and implementation preparation.
The workshop is designed to help participants strengthen and finalize their advocacy initiatives.
Seed Funding Opportunity
The programme includes a competitive seed funding opportunity to support implementation of a promising advocacy initiative.
Funding details:
- Grant amount: USD 6,000.
- Awarded to: The participant’s organization.
- Participant role: Designated project manager.
- Purpose: Implementation of the selected advocacy initiative.
Funding decisions will be based on:
- Quality of the advocacy plan.
- Feasibility and practicality.
- Readiness for implementation.
- Organizational support and commitment.
- Relevance to violence prevention and human rights advocacy.
- Potential impact and sustainability.
The funding aims to help transform learning outcomes into tangible actions and community impact.
Program Objectives
The programme seeks to:
- Strengthen advocacy skills among professionals working on violence prevention.
- Promote human rights-based approaches to addressing violence.
- Advance gender equality and social justice.
- Build leadership capacity among change-makers.
- Support evidence-based advocacy initiatives.
- Encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing.
- Increase institutional accountability and responsiveness.
- Strengthen community engagement and mobilisation.
- Promote inclusive and sustainable social change.
- Support practical implementation of advocacy actions in Malawi.
Who is Eligible?
Applicants must:
- Currently live in Malawi.
- Currently work in Malawi.
- Be actively engaged in fields related to violence prevention, gender equality, human rights, advocacy, social justice, peacebuilding, inclusion, or related sectors.
- Demonstrate a commitment to advancing human rights and equality.
- Be willing to participate in all programme phases.
- Submit a preliminary advocacy idea during the application process.
The programme is particularly relevant for professionals working in:
- Civil society organizations.
- Women’s rights organizations.
- Community-based organizations.
- Government institutions.
- Human rights organizations.
- Youth-focused initiatives.
- Peacebuilding programmes.
- Development organizations.
- Academic and research institutions.
- Social service and support organizations.
Benefits of Participation
Participants will gain:
- Specialized training in human rights advocacy.
- Knowledge of gender-transformative approaches.
- Practical advocacy planning skills.
- Exposure to international and local expertise.
- Opportunities for peer learning and networking.
- Experience in developing implementable advocacy initiatives.
- Enhanced leadership and communication skills.
- Access to a national network of practitioners and advocates.
- Eligibility to compete for seed funding support.
The programme combines theoretical learning with practical application to maximize impact.
How to Apply
- Review the programme objectives and eligibility criteria.
- Identify an advocacy issue connected to your professional work.
- Develop a preliminary advocacy idea addressing violence prevention, human rights, or gender equality.
- Prepare all required application materials.
- Complete the application form.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
- Participate fully in the online course if selected.
- Develop and submit a draft advocacy plan.
- Attend the in-person workshop if invited.
- Compete for the seed funding opportunity through submission of a strong final advocacy plan.
Strong applications will demonstrate commitment, relevance, practical impact, and a clear vision for change.
Why This Program Matters
Violence remains a significant barrier to equality, human rights, health, and social development worldwide. Addressing violence requires not only responsive services but also long-term efforts to transform social norms, strengthen institutions, and empower communities.
This programme equips professionals in Malawi with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to advocate for meaningful change. By combining education, leadership development, advocacy planning, and implementation support, the initiative helps build a stronger network of practitioners working to advance gender equality, justice, inclusion, and human rights.
The inclusion of seed funding further strengthens the programme’s impact by enabling participants to move from learning to action.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting an unclear or overly broad advocacy idea.
- Proposing initiatives without realistic implementation pathways.
- Failing to connect the advocacy plan to violence prevention or human rights objectives.
- Underestimating stakeholder engagement requirements.
- Ignoring sustainability and long-term impact considerations.
- Providing insufficient organizational support for implementation.
- Missing required application information or documentation.
- Failing to demonstrate how the proposed initiative addresses local needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the GRÓ GEST blended learning programme?
It is a capacity-building programme that combines online learning, advocacy plan development, and an in-person workshop focused on ending violence through human rights advocacy.
Who is organizing the programme?
The programme is organized by the GRÓ Gender Equality Studies and Training Programme at the University of Iceland in partnership with the Embassy of Iceland in Lilongwe and Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR).
Who can apply?
Applicants must currently live and work in Malawi and be engaged in fields related to violence prevention, gender equality, human rights, advocacy, peacebuilding, or related areas.
What are the programme dates?
The online course runs from 10 August to 21 September 2026, advocacy plan development takes place from 22 September to 11 October 2026, and the in-person workshop will be held from 12 to 14 October 2026.
Is participation fully online?
No. The programme combines online learning with a three-day in-person workshop in Lilongwe for participants who successfully complete earlier phases.
Is funding available?
Yes. The best final advocacy plan will receive USD 6,000 in seed funding through the participant’s organization.
What makes a strong advocacy proposal?
Strong proposals demonstrate clear objectives, practical implementation plans, organizational support, relevance to human rights and violence prevention, and potential for meaningful impact.
Conclusion
The GRÓ GEST blended learning programme offers a valuable opportunity for professionals in Malawi to strengthen their expertise in violence prevention, human rights advocacy, and gender equality. Through a combination of online learning, advocacy planning, in-person collaboration, and a USD 6,000 seed funding opportunity, the programme empowers participants to develop practical solutions that contribute to safer, more inclusive, and more equitable communities
gender equality, human rights, advocacy, community mobilisation, institutional change, or similar areas. Eligible applicants may come from NGOs, civil society organisations, community-based organisations, government institutions, private-sector organisations, research institutes, universities, professional associations, advocacy networks, faith-based organisations, traditional leadership structures, UN agencies, international organisations, and other relevant initiatives.
The programme is designed for practitioners who want to strengthen their ability to apply human-rights frameworks, gender-transformative approaches, and practical advocacy strategies to prevent violence. Approximately 30 participants will be supported to complete the online course, develop a practical advocacy plan linked to their current organisational, workplace, or community role, and receive feedback from experienced practitioners in the field.
For more information, visit GEST.