Call for Proposals for Strengthening Community Action to End Violence Against Women and Girls in Sierra Leone under the Spotlight Initiative

Sierra Leone continues to experience high rates of gender-based violence (GBV), including sexual and intimate partner violence. Structural inequalities, harmful traditional practices, and limited access to justice and social services contribute to the persistence of VAWG. Recognizing the pivotal role that CSOs play—particularly those that are grassroots, women-led, or focused on women's rights—the Spotlight Initiative seeks to mobilize and fund these organizations to scale up their advocacy, service delivery, and community engagement efforts.

UN Women launches this Call for Proposals (CfP) under the Spotlight Initiative, a global partnership between the European Union and the United Nations aimed at eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls (VAWG). The specific focus of this call is on Sierra Leone, intending to enhance the capacity and impact of civil society organizations (CSOs), especially women-led and women’s rights organizations, in preventing and responding to VAWG, harmful practices, and promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.