The United Nations Trust Fund to End Violence against Women and Girls: An Opportunity for Cape Verde

Combating violence against women and girls is a moral imperative and a fundamental requirement for sustainable development in Cape Verde. The United Nations, aware of the magnitude of this global challenge, established the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women and Girls (UN Trust Fund), a crucial funding mechanism that offers financial support to civil society organisations working on the frontline of this fight. This fund represents a vital opportunity for Cape Verde to boost its response to gender-based violence by strengthening the protection, prevention and empowerment of survivors and communities.

The UN Trust Fund operates through regular calls for proposals, awarding funding to projects that address various forms of violence, including domestic, sexual and other forms of physical and psychological violence. The projects funded vary widely, from the establishment of shelters and reception centres for survivors, to awareness-raising and education programmes for prevention, to advocacy initiatives and the fight for women's rights. The fund prioritises innovative projects that demonstrate a measurable impact and are adapted to the local context.

The importance of participating in this fund for Cape Verde lies in several aspects. Firstly, access to funding allows local organisations, which often operate with limited resources, to expand their operations, reach more people and implement more robust programmes. Secondly, financial support from the UN Trust Fund attracts international attention and validates local action, reinforcing the legitimacy and credibility of Cape Verdean initiatives in the area of gender-based violence. Thirdly, the fund promotes the creation of strategic partnerships, fostering collaboration between civil society organisations, government agencies and other stakeholders, which increases the effectiveness and sustainability of projects.

The application process for the UN Trust Fund involves submitting a detailed proposal that describes the problem, the project's objectives, the implementation strategy, the budget and the expected results. It is essential that Cape Verdean organisations wishing to apply take the time to carefully analyse the fund's guidelines, research the local context and identify the areas of greatest need. A well-designed proposal should demonstrate a clear understanding of the problem of violence, an innovative and evidence-based approach, a proven capacity for implementation and a solid plan for monitoring and evaluating the impact of the project.

To maximise the chances of success, Cape Verdean organisations should consider collaborating with other organisations, sharing knowledge and resources. The creation of consortia can strengthen applications by combining the experience and capacity of different organisations and increasing the likelihood of achieving a significant impact. In addition, it is crucial to actively involve local communities in the design and implementation of projects, ensuring that initiatives are culturally sensitive and respond to the specific needs of women and girls. Investing in developing the capacities of project teams, through training and mentoring, is also key to ensuring the long-term sustainability of results.

In short, the UN Trust Fund offers a valuable opportunity for Cape Verde to advance in its fight against gender-based violence. Through access to funding, the promotion of collaboration and support for innovation, this fund can boost the work of local organisations, strengthen the protection of survivors and create a safer and more equal future for all Cape Verdean women and girls.

Keep an eye out for the dates of the next call for proposals, which are usually announced on the UN Trust Fund website. Check the site regularly for updates.

For more information and application details, visit:

https://untf.unwomen.org/en/grant-giving/call-for-proposals

Don't miss this opportunity to make a difference!
Proposal for the next call scheduled for 19-11-2025