Window for WHRDs Application Form

Advocacy Support (Direct Logistical Assistance)

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Advocacy Support is for women  human rights defenders (WHRDs), from or working in crisis / conflict affected countries, who are seeking logistical support to participate, either individually or as a delegation, in a meeting, event or decision-making process, which contributes to their advocacy work in promoting human rights. This can be at the local, regional, or international level.  

DIRECT SUPPORT DOES NOT FUND CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS OR PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION.  

Eligibility Criteria

  • Gender: women and those who identify as women. This includes lesbian, gay, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) human rights defenders. 
  • Age: 18 years old and above. 
  • Geographical Scope: from/working in conflict and crisis-affected contexts. *See for reference countries that might be eligible for support: List of matters of which the UN Security Council is seized: S/2023/10
  • Activism: The applicant must carry out – individually or in association/coalition with others, formally or informally – acts to promote or protect human rights, including women’s rights, in a peaceful manner at the local, national, regional, or international level.
  • Future Advocacy Plans: The applicant must provide information on the logistical support needed to attend or lead an advocacy initiative that will advance human rights and peace. The advocacy plan must demonstrate how participation in the identified event will contribute to advancing human rights and peace. 
  • Timeframe: The event, meeting, or decision-making process will occur in the next six months, and application must be made at least six weeks in advance to allow sufficient time for due diligence and logistical arrangements. On an exceptional basis, applications will be considered under a shorter timeframe if (i) the initiative is highly relevant to advance human rights in a conflict-affected setting; (ii) the WHRD is invited to participate on short notice, and (iii) operational capacity to support is available. 
  • Duration: applications can ask for support for a maximum of five days. Each day must include relevant advocacy work. Travel time is not counted within this period. 
  • Strategic opportunities: To maximize impact, the mechanism will prioritize applications to attend fora where women have been traditionally marginalized, including spaces related to, among others, disarmament, counterterrorism, human rights, drugs and crime, harm reduction networks, digitalization, climate change, land rights, and international financial institutions  

You can submit your application through one of the two below methods

Offline:  Click the below button to download a Word version of the form, then email it to WPHF-WHRD@unwomen.org.

doc icon Application Form - Direct Logistical Support English

Online:  Complete the secure, data encrypted application form below, then click the ‘Submit’ button at the bottom of the page. 

If your request is considered, the WPHF Window for WHRDs Unit will contact you on next steps. Selected applicants will be requested to provide additional information, including but not limited to, bank details.   

There is no deadline for applications. The Window for WHRDs is demand-driven and accepts requests on a rolling basis. 

Requests should be submitted at least six weeks before the event takes place to ensure the support can be provided in a timely manner.

Individual Form Delegation Form

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