This call has been closed.
As part of our commitment to support and cultivate secure and inclusive digital spaces, we are excited to announce a call for proposals targeting initiatives led by women and/or youth focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). This initiative aims to securely connect young individuals with SRHR service providers and knowledge through developing a digital platform.
About the Initiative
Limited education and awareness about sexual and reproductive health and rights, cultural and societal norms, and gender inequalities often perpetuate negative attitudes and discriminatory treatment toward SRHR in our region. It leaves individuals seeking such services without sufficient resources and at times, without life-saving information. Women and marginalized groups, in particular, bear the disproportionate burden of this gap.
This call invites civil actors to develop a user-friendly and accessible platform to provide youth with SRHR services and resources directly and confidentially. Owing to the sensitive nature of SRHR discussions, the platform would implement stringent security measures to safeguard users’ data. By offering crucial resources and assistance, the project aims to support women and youth whose efforts and contributions could significantly transform the SRHR landscape in West Asia and North Africa.
Grant Details
- The budget allocated for this sub-granting is up to 14,000 USD.
- Sub-granting duration: July to November 2023.
- Region: West Asia and North Africa
- Deadline for application: July 23, 2023 – 12:00 AM Beirut time
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants are a group/initiative/organization led by women and/or youth in all their diversities and are between the ages of 18-35.
- Applicants are a group or initiative that adopts a proven feminist approach in its work.
- Applicants are a group/initiative/organization that targets women, youth, and other marginalized groups, including LGBTQIA+ communities, people living with disabilities, migrant workers, or refugees in local communities or at a regional level in the WANA region.
- Applicants are established, working, or supporting communities in Egypt, Tunisia, Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, or Iraq.
- Applicant is responsible for preparing, managing, and reporting on the project.
- Applicants could be formal or informal groups, associations, or initiatives, registered or not registered.
Proposal Criteria
- Ensure the supported websites are accessible, user-friendly, and culturally appropriate for the target audience.
- Content and messaging within the supported websites should be accurate and inclusive of diverse perspectives and experiences related to SRHR.
- The website should also be regularly updated with relevant and timely information and feedback mechanisms to gather user input and improve the user experience.
- Ensure that the website supported is integrated into a more extensive and comprehensive approach to SRHR.
- Ensure website sustainability in terms of information and services provided.
Expected Deliverables
- Development of a user-friendly website that offers easy access to SRHR services.
- Implementation of robust security measures to protect user data and ensure privacy.
- Comprehensive documentation of the project, including impact assessment and user feedback.
Application Guidelines
- Applicants must thoroughly fill out the following Annexes:
- Sub-Grant Application Form
- Detailed Budget
- Applicants may apply in English or Arabic.
- Attach resumes of two key members of the group or initiative.
Deadline and Submission Process
Please send your application, detailed budget, and all supporting documents in one email to smexgrant@smex.org with the subject “SRHR Sub-Granting Proposal – [Your organization name].”
Please note that we may contact shortlisted candidates for one-on-one interviews by August 10, 2023.
All applicants will be informed of the final selection by August 25, 2023.
Selection Process
- Shortlisting: The submitted proposals are reviewed by the grant selection panel. They evaluate the proposals based on feasibility, innovation, impact, alignment with grant objectives, and potential for success.
- Virtual Interview (First Step): The shortlisted candidates are contacted and invited for a virtual interview. This interview will further assess the candidates’ understanding of their project, capabilities, and potential for effectively implementing the proposed initiative.
- Second Interview: From the virtual interviews, the selection committee further narrows the pool of candidates to the final two proposals. These two candidates are then invited for a second interview, which may delve deeper into their proposals, address any outstanding questions or concerns, and assess their readiness for receiving the grant.
- Selection of the Proposal: After the second interview, the selection committee carefully evaluates both proposals and considers various factors, including the quality of the proposal, the interview performance, and the overall fit with the grant’s objectives. Based on this evaluation, the committee selects the proposal that best aligns with their criteria and supports it with the grant.
- Digital Security Training and Capacity-Building Support: Once the selected proposal is determined, the grantee will receive additional digital security training and capacity-building support.
Get in touch with our team for any further inquiries at subgrant@smex.org.
SMEX is a non-profit organization at the forefront of the digital rights movement in West Asia and North Africa. We advocate for digital spaces that foster freedom, accessibility, inclusivity, and security for all.
