RFAs: Elaboration of a Comparative Analysis focusing on Rural Womenhttps://eulacfoundation.org/en/call-applications-elaboration-comparative-analysis-focusing-rural-women
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The EU-LAC Foundation, through the EU-LAC Women’s International Network, has launched a call for proposals inviting individuals and/or teams of experts to conduct a comparative analysis of initiatives led by rural women that strengthen food security and resilience in Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
The analysis should focus on the identification, systematisation and comparison of approximately 6 to 8 projects, initiatives and good practices managed by networks, collectives, cooperatives, associations or organisations of rural women in different rural geographical areas by region – 3 to 4 cases in the European Union and another 3 to 4 cases in Latin America and the Caribbean – that focus on increasing food security in their communities and contribute to the sustainable use and management of natural resources, ecosystem conservation, and/or adaptation to adverse climate phenomena. Include in the comparative analysis the ways in which rural women exercise political and community leadership – for example, through their strategies, knowledge transfer, and alliances – addressing challenges, gaps, and ways to overcome them.
It is suggested that the concept of ‘women's autonomy’ in its three interrelated dimensions – physical autonomy, economic autonomy, and autonomy in decision-making – be used in the analysis as a relevant element in achieving equality as a human right and a precondition for women to act as changemakers. Develop ideas on how to establish closer dialogue and interaction between initiatives and experiences such as those identified in this comparative analysis, bearing in mind that there are currently few bi-regional exchange channels and platforms for networks, collectives, cooperatives and associations of women in rural areas in Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean.
Propose specific recommendations, based on the experiences and lessons learned identified in the comparative analysis, to guide the design and strengthening of cooperation actions and programmes within the framework of the EU-CELAC Strategic Partnership, which have the potential to contribute to the empowerment of rural women, the transformation of food systems and the well-being of their societies as a whole.
The proposal that receives the highest evaluation from the committee will be awarded €6,000, including any applicable taxes or fees. Payment will be made in three instalments: 30% upon signing the service contract, 40% upon delivery of the draft study, and 20% upon submission of the final work, following review and transfer of publication rights to the EU-LAC Foundation. Each payment requires a valid invoice or signed payment request from the author or coordinating team member.
This initiative highlights the importance of recognising rural women as changemakers in sustainable food systems and advancing cooperation between the European Union and Latin America and the Caribbean.
Applicants may participate individually or in teams, with bi-regional teams being especially valued, though this alone will not guarantee selection. Nationals of any of the 60 EU-LAC Foundation member states are eligible, provided they can demonstrate knowledge of the subject matter through consultancy experience, academic research, or involvement in relevant organisations. Proposals must be submitted in English or Spanish, with anonymity ensured in the detailed proposal. The submission deadline is 30 September 2025.
The selected proposal will be developed over four months, from mid-November 2025 to mid-March 2026, with a draft to be presented in April 2026 during a webinar of experts and decision-makers from both regions. The final analysis, not exceeding 50,000 words and including an executive summary and recommendations, must be submitted by 15 May 2026.
