UN Women has launched a new Call for Proposals to support projects that promote social cohesion and integration between migrant and host community women in South Africa. The initiative, part of the Making Migration Safe for Women programme, invites local organizations to apply by the 19 May 2025 deadline.
This funding opportunity is linked to three key outcomes:
- Supporting South African authorities in creating gender-responsive migration policies.
- Ensuring migrant and host community women have access to decent jobs.
- Strengthening global efforts to protect the rights of migrant women.
Under Outcome 2 of the programme, UN Women seeks a nationally registered organization to implement activities that promote peaceful coexistence in six communities located across Gauteng, the Western Cape, and other areas of concern. These activities include:
- Facilitating community dialogues with at least 300 participants (30% migrant women and 70% host community members) to discuss the value of inclusion, peace, and equality.
- Conducting an online public opinion survey with at least 5,000 South Africans to measure attitudes toward migrant women.
- Launching a campaign to counter discrimination and xenophobia while promoting the positive role of migrant women in society.
- Offering referrals to psycho-social support services for women affected by gender-based violence or discrimination.
The selected organization will be awarded funding between $90,000 and $100,000 to carry out the project from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026.
Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Legally registered and operating in South Africa for at least five years.
- Familiarity with South African migration laws, especially the National Action Plan to Combat Racism, Xenophobia, and Related Intolerance.
- Proven experience in community dialogue, social cohesion, and trust-building projects.
- Ability to manage inclusive and gender-sensitive programming focused on the specific needs of migrant women and girls.
Organizations are also expected to demonstrate core values such as Respect for Diversity, Integrity, and Professionalism, along with core competencies like Gender Sensitivity, Effective Communication, Stakeholder Engagement, and Inclusive Collaboration.
This funding aims to build stronger, safer communities by bringing together migrant and host community women to reduce discrimination and create shared solutions for a more inclusive future.