Deadline: 31-Aug-2025
The French Development Agency (AFD) has launched a new call for proposals to support civil society organizations (CSOs) in implementing a financing mechanism that strengthens and structures feminist organizations in partner countries. The focus is on those whose main mission is to promote gender equality, and where AFD has a development mandate.
The primary objective of this initiative is to promote security and respect in the digital environment, especially for those vulnerable to gender-based violence in digital spaces (VBGFT). This includes educating children, adolescents, and young adults about safe digital practices, and equipping at-risk individuals with skills to maintain a secure and autonomous online presence.
The call also aims to strengthen the cybersecurity capacities of vulnerable CSOs—especially feminist organizations—by encouraging them to adopt and develop appropriate digital technologies. In parallel, the program supports victims of digital violence through guidance services and initiatives that also monitor and respond to the behavior of aggressors.
Another important component involves knowledge generation and advocacy. This includes gathering data, analyzing behaviors, and documenting online gender-based violence to shape effective, evidence-based strategies. The goal is to influence public policies and develop stronger legal frameworks for protection.
Geographic focus: Africa, Near East and Middle East
The total budget available for this initiative is between €4 million and €6 million. Projects can last from three to four years, with flexibility in the funding durations for feminist CSOs involved in specific sub-projects under the broader program framework.
Key components of the initiative include:
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Flexible funding for CSOs,
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Technical capacity strengthening, and
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Capitalization, practice sharing, and networking among feminist groups and partners.
To be eligible, applicant consortia must have a well-rounded team with expertise in gender-based violence prevention, digital safety, victim support, and policy advocacy. Teams should also have experience in implementing rights-based and inclusive gender programs, especially those that address intersecting forms of inequality.
Applicants must demonstrate a history of working closely with feminist civil society, facilitating their networking and funding. They should also have strong communication channels with local and grassroots organizations, skills in capacity-building, and knowledge-sharing among southern partners.
Additional requirements include proven administrative and financial management skills, experience in multi-stakeholder and remote area project management, and deep knowledge of the social and political ecosystems in the countries where the intervention will take place.
For more information, visit AFD.
