DRL Strengthening Women’s Leadership in the Maldives

Background
The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) is offering a grant opportunity to strengthen women’s meaningful leadership and participation in civic life and political institutions in the Maldives. The goal is to increase women's leadership skills and empowerment to build and sustain good governance and lasting democracy in the country.

Grant Details
The grant aims to support projects that address barriers to women’s participation in political and community spaces in the Maldives. It seeks to increase leadership skills for Maldivian women, promote acceptance and tolerance of women in civic and political life, train women human rights defenders, engage non-traditional power centers in political organizations, and ensure the safety of women in leadership roles. The program activities include leadership and governance skills building trainings, capacity building for women-led organizations, engagement of young women in community projects, public awareness initiatives, advocacy for greater participation of women in government, and ensuring the safety of women in leadership roles. The programs should aim for impact that leads to reforms and have the potential for sustainability beyond DRL resources.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include U.S.-based and foreign-based non-profit organizations/nongovernmental organizations (NGO), public international organizations, private/public/state institutions of higher education, and for-profit organizations or businesses. Cost sharing or matching is not a requirement for this grant opportunity. Applicants should have existing or develop active partnerships with thematic or in-country partners, entities, relevant stakeholders, private sector partners, NGOs, and have experience in administering successful projects.

Period of Performance
The period of performance for the grant is 18-24 months with an anticipated time to award of 6-8 months.

Grant Value
$500,000 is the total funding floor and ceiling for this grant opportunity with an anticipated number of awards being 1.

Place of Performance
The grant will be performed in the Maldives.