The selected CSO will lead a comprehensive training programme targeting at least 50 CSOs and 10 CSO networks, enhance cross-border collaboration, and support small-scale community initiatives. The initiative will empower women’s organizations to advocate for legal reforms, improve survivor support, and promote safer digital environments.

General overview of services required/results

• UN Women will provide financial support (PA) to a CSO to, inter alia: implement a capacity-building programme that includes training on TF VAW concepts, terminology, prevention and response measures, advocacy tools, involvement of men and boys, and participation in regional and global processes related to legal instruments, targeting at least 50 CSOs and 10 CSO networks across Western Balkans. Equal geographical coverage of all six IPA beneficiaries in implementing this activity should be ensured to the best extent possible, i.e., that final beneficiaries (women CSOs and networks) are equally distributed among the targeted IPA beneficiaries they are coming from. Moreover, the selected CSO/NGO will be responsible for supporting the engagement of these organizations in relevant processes to enhance their advocacy efforts. The CSO will work closely with UN Women, women CSOs across all 6 Western Balkan IPA beneficiaries, and other stakeholders to develop and implement effective strategies for preventing and combating TF VAW.
• UN Women will support the selected CSO in establishing the partnerships with women CSOs and networks across the Western Balkans to enable adequate buy-in and commitment to the process. Moreover, UN Women will support the CSO in preparing and submitting quarterly and final reports and will provide feedback to the CSO during and after each activity to ensure continuous improvement and meaningful impact.
• Proposals are encouraged to include partnerships with women CSOs, public institutions, and the private sector. While one CSO will hold the contract, collaboration with other CSOs across the Western Balkans is highly encouraged to foster cross-border cooperation and regional impact. Partnerships may also involve community-based organizations, academic institutions, or other relevant actors. Proponents should clearly define the purpose and nature of each planned partnership.

Description of required services/results

• The selected responsible party/partner is expected to deliver the following services:

• Capacity Building: Develop comprehensive training modules covering TF VAW definitions, its various forms and manifestations, current state of TF VAW in the region, highlighting key trends, challenges, and opportunities for intervention, normative frameworks, key stakeholders, prevention and response measures (including but not limited to community-based approaches, digital literacy, and awareness campaigns, response mechanisms, including legal recourse, support services, and protection measures for victims of TF VAW), advocacy tools, and involvement of men and boys.
• Strategic Engagement and Sustainability: Foster collaboration and partnerships between CSOs and other stakeholders, including private sector entities, to enhance the impact of the programme. Assist CSOs in identifying and securing funding opportunities to sustain their activities related to TF VAW.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Conduct regular assessments to evaluate the impact of the capacity-building programme on CSOs' ability to address TF VAW.

Funding Information

• The budget range for this proposal should be Min. 100,000.00 USD – Max. 110,000.00 USD.

Duration

• The project is expected to be carried out between October 2025 and May 2027 tentatively, with a minimum duration of 12 months and a maximum duration of 18 months.

Outcomes

• The following outcomes are anticipated:
  • A comprehensive compendium on technology-facilitated violence against women (TF VAW), covering definitions, various forms and manifestations, current state in the region, key trends, challenges, opportunities for intervention, normative frameworks, key stakeholders, prevention and response measures, advocacy tools, and involvement of men and boys, developed and available for further replication and use by CSOs and other stakeholders to enhance their understanding and capabilities in addressing TF VAW.
  • At least 50 CSOs and 10 CSO networks will have an improved understanding of TF VAW, its various forms, and the current state of TF VAW in the region, and on how to implement effective prevention strategies, including community-based approaches, digital literacy initiatives, and awareness campaigns.
  • Within at least 20 CSOs and 5 CSO networks enhanced response mechanisms will be in place, providing legal recourse, support services, and protection measures for victims of TF VAW as a direct result of this activity.
  • At least 10 CSOs and 1 CSO network will participate in regional and global processes related to developing or enhancing legal instruments addressing TF VAW, through newly created opportunities for networking with international stakeholders and participation in relevant forums and conferences.
  • At least 3 cross-border partnerships between CSOs from different IPA beneficiaries are initiated or strengthened.

Competencies

• Technical/functional competencies required
  • Demonstrated experience in gender equality and women's rights advocacy.
  • In-depth understanding of technology-facilitated violence against women and relevant normative frameworks.
  • Experience in developing and delivering training programmes for CSOs.
  • Proven ability to advocate for policy changes and raise awareness among national stakeholders.
  • Proven experience in managing multi-country projects and coordinating activities with multiple stakeholders across Western Balkans.
• Other competencies, which while not required, can be an asset for the performance of services
  • Ability to conduct research and analysis to inform training and advocacy efforts.
  • Established networks with relevant government actors, CSOs, and international organizations.

For more information, visit UN Women.

https://eca.unwomen.org/en/programme-implementation/2025/07/unw-eca-ro-cfp-2025-3