In the wake of challenges faced by women and girls in the aftermath of the February 2023 earthquake in Syria, the United Nations Women’s Peace & Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) has unveiled a transformative initiative. This call for proposals aims to support non-governmental organizations (NGOs) striving to elevate women’s participation, leadership, and safety in humanitarian and crisis scenarios, and to safeguard their human rights during these trying times.
Unveiling the Purpose
Aligned with the esteemed UN Resolution 1325 on women, peace, and security, the core objective of the Call for Proposals is to extend grants to women and young women’s non-governmental organizations in areas affected by the Earthquake in Syria. These grants will strategically focus on humanitarian response, protection of women and girls, and socio-economic recovery. The overarching aspiration is to bolster women and young women’s participation and leadership in crisis and humanitarian contexts, particularly among forcibly displaced populations and other vulnerable groups of women and girls.
Targeted Areas and Impact Zones
The targeted regions for this remarkable call for proposals include Aleppo, Hama, Lattakia, Tartous, and Homs Governorates—areas directly impacted by the earthquake. By honing in on these regions, the program endeavors to make a substantial impact in the lives of the affected populations. Two pivotal Impact Areas guide the trajectory of this initiative:
Impact Area 3: Strengthening Women's Participation and Leadership in Crisis Planning and Response: This impact area strives to empower women to actively contribute to the decision-making processes of humanitarian crisis planning and response efforts.
Impact Area 5: Enhancing the Safety, Security, and Mental Health of Women and Girls: This impact area is dedicated to ensuring the well-being and rights of women and girls, safeguarding their mental health, and creating secure environments.
Diverse Funding Streams
The WPHF's unwavering commitment to this initiative is channeled through two distinct funding streams:
1. Programmatic Funding (USD 30,000 - USD 200,000): Designed to fuel the activities of NGOs, this stream supports projects that align with Impact Areas 3 and 5. These projects strive to bolster women's participation in crisis planning, enhance their leadership in response efforts, and promote the safety and mental health of women and girls.
2. Institutional Funding (USD 2,500 - USD 30,000): This funding stream aims to reinforce the institutional capacity of women's rights and women-led organizations/NGOs. By improving their sustainability and impact, these organizations can better implement the Women, Peace Agenda.
Timeframe and Geographic Scope
Projects under this call for proposals can span up to a maximum of 12 months, fostering the development and execution of impactful initiatives. Geographically, the eligible Syrian governorates include Aleppo, Lattakia, Hama, Tartous, and Homs. Projects that align with these regions will be prioritized, as the initiative aims to address the pressing needs of these communities.
Eligibility and Empowerment
The eligibility criteria are crafted to ensure that organizations with a genuine commitment to women's rights, gender equality, and empowerment are at the forefront of this movement:
- Women’s Rights or Feminist Organization: Organizations must reflect a dedication to addressing various forms of discrimination and advancing gender equality, while also working to transform patriarchal systems and gender dynamics.
- Women-Led Organization: Organizations should be led by women as directors or heads.
- Youth Focused Organization: Organizations that focus on supporting the social, economic, and political participation of young women and men, addressing discrimination, and advancing peacebuilding.
- Young Women Led Organization: Organizations headed by young individuals aged between 18 - 29 years old, who serve as directors/heads.
Building a Brighter Future
This initiative serves as a beacon of hope in post-earthquake Syria, as it seeks to amplify women's voices, leadership, and security in the face of adversity. By partnering with NGOs that share a vision of gender equality and peace, the WPHF is actively contributing to the establishment of a more equitable and just society. For more information, visit the official WPHF website and join the movement towards a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
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