Combating violence against women and supporting women human rights defenders
This grant funds research-based interventions and support to combat violence against women and girls, and strengthen women human rights defenders in West Africa, the Horn of Africa, and MENA.
Funder: Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Due Dates (Anticipated): January 2027
Funding Amounts: €114,655,000 total for this instrument; multi-year awards; minimum 30% of funding must go to service provision activities.
Summary: Supports efforts to combat violence against women and girls, provide victim support, and strengthen women human rights defenders in West Africa, the Horn of Africa, and MENA.
Key Information: Civil society organisations may apply for one FemFocus instrument only; applications must cover 1–2 regions with at least 2 countries per region.
Description
This grant, under the FemFocus 2026–2030 program of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aims to combat violence against women and girls, provide treatment and support to victims, and strengthen the capacity and safety of women human rights defenders. The program addresses the complex, context-specific drivers of gender-based violence and recognizes the significant psychological, physical, and societal impacts. Supported activities include direct service provision (healthcare, education, psychosocial support, protection), policy dialogue with relevant authorities and stakeholders, and capacity strengthening for local partners. The approach emphasizes local ownership, gender equality, conflict sensitivity, and simplified monitoring and learning. The geographic focus is on West Africa, the Horn of Africa, and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), with applicants required to propose activities in at least two countries within one or two of these regions.
