The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces a Request for Statements of Interest (RSOI) from organizations interested in submitting Statements of Interest (SOI) for programs that support the policy objective to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment, including by preventing and responding to gender-based violence (GBV) and online abuse and harassment; principles of the Global Partnership for Action on Gender-Based Online Harassment and Abuse; the leadership of the White House Gender Policy Council; and the direction of the U.S. Strategy on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) and the Summit for Democracy Presidential Initiative for Democratic Renewal (Pillar of Bolstering Democratic Reformers). DRL invites organizations interested in potential funding to submit SOI applications outlining program concepts that reflect these policy priorities, by creating innovative and holistic responses to prevent, protect, and take action against TFGBV.
Gender-based violence is a global issue that affects 1 in 3 women in their lifetime. While technology has been a tool that has expanded the way in which people can learn, communicate, connect, advocate, work, etc., the misuse of technology has also expanded the space in which gender-based violence can be perpetuated. This was evidenced further during the COVID-19 pandemic, when a stronger reliance on digital platforms was created and occurrences of technology-facilitated abuse increased. Additionally, with a global pattern of democratic backsliding and patriarchal authoritarianism, women in all their diversity are at a greater risk of experiencing TFGBV.
TFGBV targets all women who use technology including cis and trans women, non-binary and gender-diverse women. Some women and girls are at higher risk, especially those in the public eye, such as activists, environmental defenders, politicians, journalists, academics, advocates, and young people. TFGBV is one of the key tactics used to threaten women human rights defenders, and is often a precursor to physical violence. This violence is more frequent and can be further compounded by other identity factors such as disability, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics. TFGBV manifests in many ways, such as stalking, harassment, threats of sexual and physical abuse and violence, impersonation, hacking, image-based abuse, doxing, disinformation and defamation, hate speech, and others. It poses a grave threat to the freedom of expression and the wellbeing of women and girls around the world, as well as their participation in public life.
DRL seeks SOIs that bridge the gap between civil society organizations focused on GBV and civil society focused on digital safety. DRL will support independent civil society groups, GBV direct service organizations, and/or GBV consortia and networks to pilot innovative and survivor-centered initiatives and programs to prevent, protect, or take action against TFGBV.
Deadline: Feb. 15, 2023
Organizations submitting SOIs must meet the following criteria:
- Be a U.S.- or foreign-based non-profit/non-governmental organization (NGO), or a public international organization; or
- Be a private, public, or state institution of higher education; or
- Be a for-profit organization or business (noting there are restrictions on payment of fees and/or profits under grants and cooperative agreements, including those outlined in 48 CFR 30, “Cost Accounting Standards Administration”, and 48 CFR 31, “Contract Cost Principles and Procedures”);
- Have existing, or the capacity to develop, active partnerships with thematic or in-country partners, entities, and relevant stakeholders including private sector partner and NGOs; and,
- Have demonstrable experience administering successful and preferably similar programs. DRL reserves the right to request additional background information on organizations that do not have previous experience administering federal awards. These applicants may be subject to limited funding on a pilot basis.