Webinar: Call for Applications: Empowering Women's Rights Organizations in the Northwest and Southwest Regions of Cameroon

The African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF) is pleased to announce the opportunity for feminist and women’s rights organizations (WROs) led by historically marginalized and minoritized groups in Africa to apply for grants. This call specifically invites applications from organizations operating in the Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon. The grants are aimed at supporting initiatives that promote the rights of women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals, with a focus on addressing structural barriers to gender equality and empowering marginalized communities.

Funding Streams and Eligibility Criteria

1. Open Grants: These grants are available for projects that address structural barriers to gender equality and empower women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals to lead activism towards gender justice.
2. Kasa! Initiative Grants: Specifically designed to address sexual violence, these grants are open to Women’s Rights Organizations (WROs) registered and working in Ghana, Nigeria, and/or Senegal.
3. Komboa Grants: These grants are intended for organizations and networks led by women and gender-diverse individuals within the African continent, focusing on empowering African women, girls, and gender-diverse people to exercise their voice, agency, and leadership.

Project Ideas and Problem Areas for Consideration

Given the unique challenges faced by historically marginalized and minoritized groups in the Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon, we encourage applicants to propose projects that address the specific needs of these communities. Some of the key areas of focus may include, but are not limited to:

• Empowerment and advocacy for minority groups, such as Pygmies, Mbororo groups, and other marginalized communities affected by the Anglophone crisis in Cameroon.
• Addressing gender-based violence and promoting access to justice for women and girls in conflict-affected areas.
• Promoting economic empowerment and livelihood opportunities for women in marginalized communities.
• Advocacy for the protection of women's rights and the advancement of gender equality in the context of humanitarian crises and conflict-affected regions.

Impact and Localization of Aid

The successful implementation of projects in the Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon will contribute to the localization of aid and the sustainability of the local philanthropic society. By addressing the specific needs of marginalized communities and promoting gender equality, these initiatives will foster sustainable development, community resilience, and social cohesion. Furthermore, the localization of aid ensures that interventions are contextually relevant and responsive to the unique challenges faced by local communities.

Application Tips and Webinar Sessions

To support potential applicants, AWDF has provided a comprehensive Application Guidance Document and a list of Frequently Asked Questions. Additionally, we will be hosting webinars to provide further insights and guidance on the application process. The French webinar will be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, and the English webinar will be held on Thursday, March 7, 2024. These sessions will offer valuable information and an opportunity to engage with AWDF representatives.

Application Deadline and Submission

The closing date for receiving applications is Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at 23:59 GMT. Interested organizations are encouraged to access the online application portal to submit their proposals. For detailed information and access to the application portal, please visit the AWDF website.

We look forward to receiving innovative and impactful project proposals from feminist and women’s rights organizations in the Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon. Together, let us work towards advancing gender equality, empowering marginalized communities, and creating sustainable change.

For more information and to access the application portal, please visit the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF) website.

Register and attend the webinar:

https://awdf-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_yuYFDsI4RuC1Ogh3EQ0XMg#/registration

Attending the webinar offers several compelling benefits, including:

1. Real-Time Interaction and Feedback: Webinars provide an opportunity to engage with presenters and other participants in real time, allowing for meaningful discussions, feedback, and the exchange of ideas.
2. Access to Expert Knowledge and Insights: By attending the webinar, you can gain valuable insights from industry professionals, learn about the latest developments, and acquire new knowledge relevant to your field of interest or business 1.
3. Convenience and Flexibility: Webinars offer the flexibility to participate from anywhere, eliminating the need for travel and allowing you to engage in learning from the comfort of your own space 2.
4. Networking Opportunities: Webinars bring together like-minded individuals, creating a platform for networking and connecting with professionals from diverse backgrounds, which can lead to valuable collaborations and partnerships.
5. Professional Development and Skill Enhancement: Attending webinars can contribute to ongoing professional development, skill enhancement, and staying updated on relevant topics.
6. Cost-Effective Learning: Webinars often provide access to valuable content at little to no cost, making them an affordable and efficient way to acquire knowledge.
7. Contribution to Personal and Organizational Growth: The knowledge and insights gained from webinars can contribute to personal growth and skill development, as well as support organizational advancement and innovation.By Bongwong Justin Berinyuy (Grants Consultant)