Strengthening Women’s Organizations and Political Representation in the Middle East and North Africa

Office of the Middle East Partnership Initiative

Description

The Office of the Partnership Initiative (NEA/PI) announces an open competition for proposals to strengthen women’s participation in all aspects of society and promote women’s equality in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). In Cairo, President Obama remarked that our common prosperity is advanced by ensuring all human beings – men and women – reach their potential. On International Women’s Day, Secretary Clinton voiced her unwavering support for women’s empowerment, stating that “…we have much less hope of addressing the complex challenges we face in this new century without the full participation of women.” This funding opportunity seeks to address the Administration’s commitment to supporting the women of the Middle East and North Africa in their efforts to reach their full potential.The following MENA countries may be proposed: Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, UAE, and Yemen. In line with the Administration’s vision, NEA/PI seeks applications to address the following two priority areas:A) Organizational Capacity Building for Women’s Organizations: This priority area aims to strengthen women-run or -focused civil society organizations in the MENA region. B) Development of Women’s Caucuses and Unions: This priority area seeks to build platforms for and connect female political activists through the development of women’s caucuses and unions – nationally and regionally. Caucus for the purpose of this RFA should be interpreted broadly and is not only meant to refer to formal coalitions in national parliaments and municipal councils.

Who can apply

• Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
• Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (other than higher education)
• Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (other than higher education)
• Private institutions of higher education
• For-profit organizations other than small businesses
• Small businesses
• Others

Contact

Jessica BakerQuality Support, Inc .ContractorPhone 202-776-8500
nea-grants@state.gov