Learn about UN Women's Fund For Gender Equality 2011-2012 Arab State grantees.

1. Fund for Gender Equality 2011-2012 Arab States Grantmaking Cycle:
A BRIEF OVERVIEW
BASIC STATISTICS:
2011-2012 ARAB STATES
GRANTMAKING CYCLE
IN light of the recent political transitions of 2011 in the Arab States, UN Women
recognized the unique opportunities ushered in by these movements for
change. With many countries in the midst of transition, women’s rights advocates
were poised to significantly influence the political landscape and impact gender
relations. In response, UN Women, through its Fund for Gender Equality, launched
GRANT AMOUNTS: a special Call for Proposals in October 2011 to support programmes aimed at the ad-
vancement of women’s empowerment throughout the region.
Total requested amount
(from all submitted applications): The response to the Call from women’s organizations and governments in the region
$58,900,684 reflected a heightened interest — and a sense of urgency. The Fund for Gender Equal-
ity received 105 grant applications for programs in 17 countries, representing a total
FGE amount for funding: request of US$58,900,684.
$4,850,000
The Fund for Gender Equality is pleased to have been able to award US$4.85 million
FGE will fund 8% of the total amount to support fifteen (15) women’s economic and political empowerment programmes
requested from the region in 8 countries throughout the Arab States region. Selected grantee programmes
reflect an acute focus on economic justice and a deep commitment to enhancing
women’s political participation.
ECONOMIC VS.
POLITICAL EMPOWERMENT: Through these grants, women are poised to continue to make important headway in
the pursuit of gender equality in the Arab States region, but the task is far from done.
Economic empowerment This is why the work of the Fund is so critical — now and in the future.
applications: 58
(55% of total applications) 2011-2012 ARAB STATES GRANTEES
Political empowerment
ALGERIA
applications: 47
(45% of total applications) ASSOCIATION OF SOLIDARITY AND FIGHT AGAINST POVERTY
AND EXCLUSION, EL GHAITH
Grant Type: ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT
APPLICATION LANGUAGE: Programme Title: Promotion of Equality between Men and Women in the Rural Area
Arabic-language applications: 38 of Bordj Bou Arreridj for Human, Social and Economic Development
(36% of total applications) Programme Country: Algeria
Amount: USD $200,000
English-language applications: 67 Description: Rural women in Algeria face serious challenges related to unemploy-
(64% of total applications) ment, social exclusion and lack of respect for their fundamental human rights that
stem from patriarchal interpretations of customs and practices. In addition, the inci-
dence of early marriages deprives young women of opportunities to obtain an educa-
LEAD AND CO-LEAD tion and find proper employment. The programme’s strategic approach integrates
ORGANIZATIONS: technical and financial support, local partnerships, media mobilization, gender sen-
Applications from programmes sitization and awareness raising campaigns and will target local authorities, religious
led by women’s NGOs: 95 groups and NGOs to help foster a more respectful environment for rural women. It will
(90% of total applications) build upon existing partnerships between civil society and government institutions, as
it aims to further the economic empowerment of 500 rural women through income-
Applications from programmes generating agricultural activities and small manufacturing units.
led by a partnership between
women’s NGOs: 6 EGYPT
(6% of total applications)
EGYPTIAN CENTER FOR WOMEN’S RIGHTS
Applications from programmes Grant Type: POLITICAL EMPOWERMENT
led by individual government Programme Title: A wave of women’s voices — 1,000 and counting . . .
agencies: 4 Programme Country: Egypt
(4% of total applications) Amount: USD $545,000
Description: The programme’s objective is to mobilize women from all governorates,
who can form a “wave of women’s voices” and take on leadership roles. The initiative
seeks to mobilize a minimum of 1,000 women across Egypt in a one-year period, in order
to create a snowball effect that will encourage additional women to join throughout
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2. the programme duration and beyond. To attain its main objec- rights and gender studies initiatives. It also focuses on strength-
tive - enhancing women’s political empowerment – the grantee ening the exchange of information and experiences among
organization will employ a series of strategies, including network national, regional and international human rights movements and
building, lobbying, advocacy, capacity development and tar- on fostering non-traditional alliances. The programme intends
geted trainings for young women activists. to directly benefit 40 female Iraqi academics and researchers. In
addition, it is also expected that civil society organizations and
MINISTRY OF SOCIAL SOLIDARITY AND JUSTICE women’s rights activists will be able to increase their gender-
Grant Type: ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT sensitive research capacities as well as their abilities to conduct
Programme Title: The Family Cash Allowance gender equality campaigns.
Programme Country: Egypt
Amount: USD $400,000 LEBANON
Description: In Egypt, the demand for social justice, inclusion, AMEL ASSOCIATION
and equality were major drivers of the January 25th Revolution. Grant Type: ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT
The development of a Conditional Cash Transfer programme Programme Title: Promoting Access of Rural and Refugee
from the Ministry of Social Solidarity and Justice aims at increas- Women to the Labor Market and Livelihood Opportunities
ing women’s control over economic resources as it seeks to Programme Country: Lebanon
restore state accountability to its citizens and empower eco- Amount: USD $325,000
nomically disadvantaged women and their families through the Description: In Lebanon, Iraqi and Sudanese women refugees carry
use of cash transfers. The proposal envisages holistic empow- the burden of economic responsibility for their families and children
erment strategies, including mainstreaming gender into social under severe financial and material constraints, as they are often
protection policies, service provision, and capacity building. The subject to a high degree of economic insecurity which is com-
programme’s beneficiaries include 85,000 women and girls and pounded by discrimination, a lack of employment opportunities
more than 200 trained social workers whom will implement and and the rising cost of living. In addition, marginalized rural women
monitor the programme. in Southern Lebanon face some of the same difficulties in terms of
employment and access to markets. The programme seeks to con-
THE WOMEN AND MEMORY FORUM tribute to the economic empowerment of refugee and marginalized
Grant Type: POLITICAL EMPOWERMENT rural women by improving their status within Lebanese society.
Programme Title: Documentation and Empowerment: It seeks to increase the employability of 460 refugee and rural
The Creation of an Archive of Women’s Voices in Egypt women through vocational and educational training in managerial
Programme Country: Egypt skills, marketing strategies, and computer/information technology,
Amount: USD $200,000 in addition to developing specific work opportunities and income-
Description: The Women and Memory Forum is concerned with generating activities that will encourage the growth and the long-
the negative representations and perceptions of Egyptian women term viability of women’s activities.
that exist in the cultural sphere. A scarcity of disseminated knowl-
edge about the role of women in history, as well as in contemporary SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF NATURE IN LEBANON
cultural and political life forms a challenging obstacle. This initiative Grant Type: ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT
seeks to advance the cause of women’s political empowerment Programme Title: Promoting Hima Women Empowerment for
and leadership in Egypt by assembling an archive that documents Conservation and Livelihood
and highlights the role of women as leaders, activists, and partici- Programme Country: Lebanon
pants in major movements for change in Egypt. Through a set of Amount: USD $280,000
strategies, which include data collection and analysis, information Description: In Lebanon, enabling rural and marginalized women
dissemination, networking, and awareness raising, the programme to gain access to natural resources and empowering them to
will compile women’s narratives, confronting traditional cultural have a greater sense of ownership on resource management
stereotypes and prejudices to provide an example of women’s will reduce poverty levels and will improve women’s well-being,
crucial role in formal and informal political life in Egypt. This archive including by supporting their access to food, medicinal plants,
will be made accessible through publications, social media and a wood, and clean water. The programme represents an innovative
website for use by women activists, human rights groups, university approach that combines a community conservation focus with
students, youth leaders and the general public. poverty alleviation and economic development initiatives for lo-
cal women. It specifically focuses on the preservation of ecologi-
IRAQ cal systems, through traditional land designation and natural
WOMEN EMPOWERMENT ORGANIZATION resource protection structures, called Himas. The programme’s
Grant Type: POLITICAL EMPOWERMENT strategies include capacity building, awareness raising and sus-
Programme Title: Gender Training for Iraqi Academics tainable management of natural resources as a tool for improv-
& Researchers ing the livelihoods of 6,000 women in the 6 established Himas in
Programme Country: Iraq Lebanon.
Amount: USD $215,000
Description: In Iraq, the armed conflict has had a severe impact
MOROCCO
upon Iraq’s academic community. Iraqi women in academia are AKHIAM ASSOCIATION
in a precarious situation as they face poverty, unemployment, Grant Type: ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT
discrimination, gender-based violence, restrictions in movement Programme Title: Capacity Building of Women in the Eastern
and have limited opportunities for professional development. High Atlas, for its Economic and Social Empowerment
Implementation of this programme through trainings, seminars, Programme Country: Morocco
conferences and workshops, will aim to support the capacity of Amount: USD $260,000
female academics and researchers in Iraq to promote women’s Description: In the Eastern High Atlas Mountain region of Morocco,
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3. women are on the frontline of key productive sectors, such as agri- ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN COMMITTEES FOR SOCIAL WORK
culture, that are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of environ- Grant Type: POLITICAL EMPOWERMENT
mental and social changes, including global warming, the global Programme Title: Enhancing Palestinian Women’s Participation in
economic crisis, geographic marginalization and unsustainable Public and Political Life
demographic growth. The programme intends to empower over Programme Country: Occupied Palestinian Territory
400 marginalized or low-income rural women through entrepre- Amount: USD $450,000
neurship and capacity building initiatives, such as adult learning Description: This programme seeks to increase women’s political
classes, income-generating workshops, household management representation at the community level to galvanize new spaces for
skill sessions, and gender-responsive budgeting discussions with Palestinian women’s political empowerment. Working with young
local and national stakeholders. It seeks to achieve its objectives women activists as promoters of social and policy changes, it seeks
by employing advocacy, media outreach, and awareness raising to ensure that new quota measures of women’s representation are
strategies in addition to forming a core group of rural women to translated into tangible results for Palestinian women. The pro-
advocate for women’s civil and political rights, building on existing gramme employs a holistic approach that encompasses improving
partnerships with state Ministries and non-governmental organiza- networking among women’s NGOs, raising awareness of 15,000 rural
tions in Morocco. women, building the capacity of female local officials and women
activists, and making local government more responsive to gender
NATIONAL INSTITUTION FOR SOLIDARITY issues including promotion of gender responsive budgeting of these
WITH WOMEN IN DIFFICULTY, INSAF local councils.
Grant Type: ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT
Programme Title: Training, Personal Development and Socio-pro- DALIA ASSOCIATION
fessional Integration of Single Mothers Grant Type: POLITICAL EMPOWERMENT
Programme Country: Morocco Programme Title: Women Supporting Women
Programme Country: Occupied Palestinian Territory
Amount: USD $545,000
Amount: USD $200,000
Description: In Morocco, the plight of young single mothers and
Description: Palestinian women have a strong history of political
their children born outside of marriage has become a public con-
and social activism, which is often challenged by the gender-dif-
cern over the past three decades. Despite the progress achieved,
ferentiated impact of the male-centered development aid system.
single mothers suffer from discrimination as well as social, legal,
An innovative initiative, called community-controlled grant-mak-
and economic exclusion. The programme aims at re-integrating
ing, proposes that women take a leadership role in determining
single mothers and their children into their communities and at
how development resources should be used to benefit their com-
creating a more respectful environment which will foster their
munities. It focuses on building the capacity of women’s organi-
social stability and economic empowerment. INSAF, which has a
zations to run projects successfully and transparently, while also
track-record of leadership on this highly taboo topic, aims to ad-
facilitating their access to community resources. The programme
dress this issue through holistic empowerment strategies, includ-
will benefit 45 different women’s groups that will be selected by
ing awareness raising, advocacy, vocational training and capacity
their peers to receive grants. These groups will implement their
building, to directly impact the lives of more than 2,000 single
individual projects based entirely on peer support, providing and
mothers and their children in Casablanca, in addition to 27,200
receiving advice and assistance on budgeting, procurement and
indirect beneficiaries throughout Morocco.
contracting, financial reporting, community decision-making, self-
OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY monitoring, and resource mobilization.
ANABTA WOMEN WELFARE SOCIETY PALESTINIAN CENTRE FOR PEACE AND DEMOCRACY AND
Grant Type: POLITICAL EMPOWERMENT THE JERUSALEM CENTRE FOR WOMEN
Programme Title: Women’s Political Empowerment Grant Type: POLITICAL EMPOWERMENT
Programme Country: Occupied Palestinian Territory Programme Title: Towards a Democratic Constitution that Grants
Amount: USD $200,000 Equal Rights to Women
Description: In the Occupied Palestinian Territory, women face many Programme Country: Occupied Palestinian Territory
challenges that prevent them from participating in public life and Amount: USD $200,000
decision making. The programme represents an innovative approach, Description: In the Occupied Palestinian Territory, the text of a
which seeks to encourage women’s political participation and social permanent constitution is yet to be drafted. The available propos-
involvement through theatre, drawing, arts, and craft techniques. als only vaguely reflect women’s human rights as they fail to advo-
Through the establishment of House of Women, a cultural center cate for gender equality in concrete terms. Moreover, Palestinian
for gender-based solidarity, the implementing organization aims to women have neither access to the constitution drafting processes,
increase women’s visibility and create a space for the cultivation of nor have they yet attained widespread levels of political participa-
their self-expression, which is intended to ultimately lead to more tion. The programme intends to influence the constitution drafting
active political empowerment. The initiative employs a set of strate- process through lobbying, advocacy and awareness raising strate-
gies, which encompass informal education, specifically music, arts gies in order to ensure that gender equality is embedded in the
and drama, as well as training and capacity building, advocacy and new Palestinian Constitution and that the document emphasizes
lobbying. More than 200 women and girls in Anabta village, Tulkarem democratic and political reforms, tolerance, gender equality and
district, West Bank will benefit from its implementation. the participation of all Palestinian citizens. 240 women beneficia-
ries will participate in leadership trainings on journalism, media,
law and lobbying in this regard and overall 10,000 Palestinian
women in Gaza and the West Bank are expected to be impacted
by the programme implementation.
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4. REGIONAL STARS OF HOPE SOCIETY
Grant Type: POLITICAL EMPOWERMENT
KARAMA
Programme Title: Our Voice Counts
Grant Type: POLITICAL EMPOWERMENT
Programme Country: Egypt, Jordan, the Occupied Palestinian
Programme Title: Inclusive Democracy: Ensuring Women’s
Territory and Yemen
Political Rights in Libya, Yemen, and Egypt throughout the Arab
Amount: USD $265,000
Spring
Description: Women with disabilities in the Occupied Palestin-
Programme Country: Egypt, Libya and Yemen
ian Territory, Egypt, Jordan, and Yemen face multiple challenges,
Amount: $565,000
including social stigmatization, socio-economic exclusion, and
Description: In Egypt, Libya, and Yemen, women are active
double discrimination (on the basis of gender and disability). The
political citizens, who have demanded social change during the
programme’s main objective is to promote the rights of women
transitions occurring in the region. The programme explores the
with disabilities as stipulated by CEDAW and the Convention on
impact of these transitions on women and aims to increase their
the Rights of Persons with Disabilities by increasing their capac-
leadership and voice in the political sphere, ultimately advancing
ity and knowledge and ensuring that technical and financial
gender equality. Working at a regional level, the implementing
support is allocated to their priorities through local and national
organization will train, support, and strengthen the capacity of
level policies. It seeks to improve the capacity of 800 women
30 local women’s NGOs and 150 women activists and political
with disabilities in the four implementing countries to actively
leaders in the three targeted countries — Egypt, Libya, and Ye-
participate in local and national advocacy campaigns with
men. The programme utilizes a comprehensive set of strategies,
emphasis on women’s political rights. The strategies proposed
including networking and alliance building, training and capac-
include advocacy and media campaigns, fostering partnerships,
ity building, and advocacy campaigns in addition to hosting
coalitions, networks and strengthening regional coordination
regional consultations as tools to enhance women’s political
among women with disabilities.
empowerment.
UN WOMEN’S FUND FOR GENDER EQUALITY
The advancement of gender equality is integrally linked to women’s economic and political empowerment. UN Women’s
Fund for Gender Equality (FGE) is a grantmaking mechanism that supports women’s greater access to both.
In its inaugural grantmaking cycle, the Fund for Gender Equality awarded grants to 40 grassroots programmes in 35 countries. Fund
for Gender Equality grantee programmes demonstrate great variety in contextualized objectives, scope and approach, but all share a
strong emphasis on practical efforts that result in tangible results in the lives of women and girls.
The Fund for Gender Equality awards two types of grants:
P Women’s political empowerment grants aim at increasing women’s political participation, representation, leadership, and influence
in all spheres of women’s lives, including through trainings and education, and focusing on young women leaders.
P Women’s economic empowerment grants aim at increasing women’s access to and control over resources and assets — including
land, water, technology, and viable employment — while also addressing the disproportionate burden of unpaid care work on women
and girls, with particular emphasis on holistic and environmentally sustainable development approaches.
With generous contributions from the governments of Spain (USD $65 Million), Norway (USD $3.5 Million), Mexico (USD $800,000)
and the Netherlands (USD $1.2 Million) as well as individual donations, the Fund’s total corpus is USD $71 million and constitutes one of
the world’s largest grantmaking funds dedicated to advancing the cause of women’s equality globally.
The Fund for Gender Equality is designed for impact. It has a multi-lingual, transparent application process that is structured to attract
wide-ranging proposals of the highest quality. It relies on a unique Technical Committee, composed of regional experts in women’s
economic and political empowerment, to provide in-depth and contextualized review of proposals. Its online database simplifies the
application process by providing greater accessibility to grant applicants; facilitates transparency and accountability during the ap-
plication review process and supports reliable and accurate data tracking throughout the grantmaking cycle. The Fund is an efficient
mechanism, dedicated to rights-based grantmaking that focuses on the delivery of gender equality commitments. The Fund further-
more employs monitoring specialists, based in every region of the world, to support grantee programme implementation and regularly
track programme progress and results.
Managed by a Secretariat located in New York, every two years during the month of March and in commemoration of International
Women’s Day, the Fund launches a Call for Proposals, manages a world-wide competitive review process, awards grants, aggregates
grantee results, facilitates and shares knowledge among grantees, conducts monitoring and evaluation activities, and raises visibility of
grantees and raises further support. A Steering Committee comprised of donor and programme countries, multilateral agencies, and
civil society representatives ratifies the Technical Committee grant recommendations and oversees the policies of the Fund.
For information and to donate to the Fund for Gender Equality contact:
Ana-Maria Enriquez, Chief, Fund for Gender Equality
E-mail: ana-maria.enriquez@unwomen.org
Phone: +1.917.484.8064
Fax: +1.212.906.1921
Online: www.unwomen.org/fund-for-gender-equality/
To make an online donation visit:
www.unwomen.org/how-we-work/fund-for-gender-equality/donation/
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