CFPs: Strengthening Accountability to Gender Equality & Women’s Rights in Zimbabwe

Deadline: 17-Feb-2026

UN Women Zimbabwe is inviting civil society organisations to implement youth-led initiatives using arts and technology to prevent gender-based violence (GBV) and promote gender equality. Grants range from USD 80,000 to USD 138,000 and support youth engagement, advocacy, and capacity-building for gender-responsive accountability at local levels. The initiative strengthens community mobilization, evidence generation, and youth-led movements for gender justice.

Overview of the Initiative

The programme encourages youth-led action against GBV and gender inequality in Zimbabwe by combining creative arts and digital technology. It seeks to:

• Amplify youth voices and participation in gender equality efforts

• Build partnerships for advocacy and social change

• Strengthen local government accountability on gender issues

• Generate evidence to inform gender equality outcomes at sub-national levels

This initiative aligns with UN Women’s global mandate to eliminate discrimination against women and girls and advance gender equality through development, human rights, humanitarian action, peace, and security.

Focus Areas

Key focus areas include:

• Arts and Technology: Using creative and digital tools to engage youth and communities in GBV prevention

• Youth-Led Advocacy: Strengthening inclusive participation and leadership of young people in promoting gender equality

• Gender-Responsive Accountability: Enhancing institutional capacity of local government and civic structures to respond to gender issues

• Evidence Generation: Documenting approaches and outcomes to advance gender equality interventions at sub-national levels

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants are:

• Civil society organisations registered in Zimbabwe

• Organisations with proven experience in gender equality, GBV prevention, advocacy, and programme delivery

• Applicants capable of implementing youth-led initiatives and building sustainable community engagement

Grant Details

• Number of Grants: 2

• Budget Range: USD 80,000 – USD 138,000 per proposal

• Implementation Areas: Local communities in Zimbabwe with emphasis on youth participation

• Funding is provided under the Sustaining the Gains programme, jointly supported by the European Union and Switzerland and implemented by UNFPA, UNDP, UN Women, and UNICEF

Programme Objectives

The initiative seeks to:

• Build a youth-led movement against GBV and for gender equality

• Mobilise communities using arts and digital technology to challenge harmful norms

• Strengthen partnerships and advocacy networks at local and national levels

• Improve gender-responsive accountability in government and civic institutions

• Generate data and evidence to support gender equality strategies

How to Apply / How it Works

1. Confirm Eligibility: Ensure your organisation is registered in Zimbabwe and has relevant experience in GBV prevention and gender equality.

2. Develop a Proposal: Outline the youth-led initiative, detailing:

   • Activities using arts and technology

   • Strategies for community mobilization and advocacy

   • Expected outcomes and impact on GBV prevention and gender equality

3. Prepare Budget: Proposals must fall between USD 80,000 and USD 138,000.

4. Submit Application: Follow UN Women Zimbabwe submission guidelines, including required documentation and timelines.

5. Review and Selection: Applications will be evaluated based on:

   • Relevance to programme objectives

   • Feasibility and innovation

   • Potential for sustainable youth engagement and impact

Why This Initiative Matters

• Addressing GBV: Gender-based violence remains widespread in Zimbabwe, particularly affecting young people.

• Youth Empowerment: Engaging youth as leaders helps challenge harmful social norms and amplify community voices.

• Sustainable Impact: Arts and technology facilitate long-term behavioral and institutional change.

• Accountability: Strengthening local government capacity ensures better monitoring and responsiveness to gender equality commitments.

Common Challenges to Consider

• Ensuring active and meaningful youth participation in program design and implementation

• Overcoming cultural or social resistance to gender equality initiatives

• Integrating creative arts and technology effectively to engage diverse youth groups

• Demonstrating measurable impact and sustainability of interventions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply for these grants?
Civil society organisations registered in Zimbabwe with experience in GBV prevention, gender equality, and youth engagement.

2. What is the budget range for proposals?
Proposals should range between USD 80,000 and USD 138,000.

3. How many grants will be awarded?
UN Women Zimbabwe will award two grants under this call.

4. What types of activities are supported?
Youth-led initiatives using arts, creative expression, and digital technology to prevent GBV and promote gender equality.

5. What is the focus on youth participation?
Youth must play a lead role in program design, implementation, and advocacy, not just be beneficiaries.

6. How does this initiative promote accountability?
By strengthening local government and civic institutions to respond to gender equality issues and monitor progress.

7. Which programme supports this call?
The call is part of the Sustaining the Gains programme, implemented by UNFPA, UNDP, UN Women, and UNICEF, with EU and Swiss support.

Conclusion

UN Women Zimbabwe’s youth-led arts and technology initiative offers civil society organisations the opportunity to drive meaningful change in gender equality and GBV prevention. By empowering young people, fostering community mobilization, and strengthening institutional accountability, the programme promotes inclusive, sustainable, and innovative approaches to gender justice across Zimbabwe.

For more information, visit UN Women.