Deadline: 10-Feb-2026
ActionAid Nigeria is inviting Expressions of Interest from women-led rights networks and movements to participate in the Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership Project, a five-year initiative running from 2025 to 2029. Funded by Global Affairs Canada, the project provides technical and financial support to strengthen national women’s movements advancing gender equality and human rights in Nigeria, with an annual budget of N12,000,000.
ActionAid Nigeria invites Expressions of Interest from eligible women’s rights networks and movements to participate in the Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership Project.
The project aims to advance gender equality and the full enjoyment of human rights by women and girls across Nigeria through sustained funding, capacity strengthening, and collective action.
What Is the Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership Project?
The Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership Project is a five-year programme implemented by ActionAid Nigeria with funding from Global Affairs Canada.
Running from 2025 to 2029, the project responds to the increasingly complex and restrictive environment facing women’s rights organisations by providing long-term technical and financial support to strengthen their institutional capacity and collective impact.
Annual Funding and Duration
-
Project duration: 2025–2029
-
Annual budget available under this call: N12,000,000
-
Funding type: Programme and capacity support for networks and movements
The funding is designed to support sustained, multi-year engagement rather than one-off activities.
Thematic Focus Areas
Eligible networks and movements must demonstrate expertise in one or more of the following thematic areas:
-
Young feminist agenda
-
Female inmates
-
Women living with HIV
-
Media and communications
-
Climate justice
-
Research and innovation
-
Women in technology
-
Women in business and entrepreneurship
-
Female returnees
-
Other vulnerable or marginalised women and girls
Programmes that address intersectionality and multiple forms of exclusion are strongly encouraged.
Geographic Scope and Reach
Eligible applicants must:
-
Be headquartered in any Nigerian state
-
Operate at the national level
-
Influence policy at national scale
-
Maintain footprints or active presence across multiple geopolitical zones
This ensures broad representation and national-level impact.
Who Is Eligible?
The call is open to:
-
Women-led networks
-
Women’s rights movements
-
National coalitions focused on gender equality and women’s empowerment
Applicants must have a clear mandate centred on advancing gender equality and the rights of women and girls in Nigeria.
Required Capacity and Experience
Applicants are expected to demonstrate:
-
Strong thematic expertise in gender equality and women’s rights
-
A proven track record in advancing gender justice and systemic change
-
Experience in collective action and network-based collaboration
-
Capacity to engage stakeholders across government, civil society, and international platforms
-
Ability to influence policy, legal, and institutional reforms at national, regional, and international levels
What the Project Supports
Through the Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership Project, participating networks and movements will be supported to:
-
Design and implement inclusive, gender-transformative programmes
-
Expand women’s and girls’ access to opportunities and essential services
-
Influence policy and legislative frameworks
-
Amplify the voices of women and girls in all their diversity
-
Contribute to national, regional, and global women’s rights priorities
Why It Matters
Women’s rights networks and movements play a critical role in shaping policy, holding institutions accountable, and advancing gender justice.
This project provides sustained support that strengthens collective power, enhances organisational resilience, and enables women-led movements to drive long-term systemic change in Nigeria.
How to Apply
Step-by-Step Application Process
-
Confirm eligibility as a women-led network or movement operating at the national level.
-
Review the thematic focus areas and identify alignment with your work.
-
Complete the official application template provided by ActionAid Nigeria.
-
Prepare an organisational profile detailing mandate, structure, and reach.
-
Compile evidence of past and ongoing initiatives or projects.
-
Submit all required documents as an Expression of Interest within the stated deadline.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Applying as an individual organisation rather than a network or movement
-
Failing to demonstrate national-level influence or multi-zone presence
-
Weak evidence of past impact or collective action
-
Limited alignment with thematic priorities
-
Incomplete application documentation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can apply for this call?
Women-led networks and movements operating at the national level in Nigeria.
What is the duration of the project?
The project runs for five years, from 2025 to 2029.
How much funding is available?
The total annual budget available under this call is N12,000,000.
What thematic areas are prioritised?
The call prioritises areas such as young feminism, climate justice, women in technology and business, women living with HIV, female inmates, media, and other marginalised groups.
Can networks based in one state apply?
Yes, provided they operate nationally and maintain footprints across geopolitical zones.
Is this funding for short-term projects?
No. The funding supports sustained, long-term programming and capacity strengthening.
What documents are required to apply?
Applicants must submit a completed application template, an organisational profile, and evidence of past and ongoing initiatives.
Conclusion
The Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership Project offers a strategic opportunity for women’s rights networks and movements to strengthen their collective impact in Nigeria.
By providing sustained support for gender-transformative programming, policy influence, and movement building, the project advances the rights, voices, and leadership of women and girls across the country.
For more information, visit ActionAid Nigeria.