Ashraf AboArafe
The British Embassy in Cairo is excited to announce the launch of the second phase of the UK “For Her, With Her” Fund (لها ومعها), an initiative dedicated to preventing gender-based violence (GBV) and supporting survivors in Egypt. This new phase of the fund, set to be implemented from April 2025 to March 2027, builds on the remarkable achievements of the first phase launched in November 2023.
Applications for this next phase is open on 16 August 2024. The Embassy eagerly invites organizations to submit their innovative and collaborative concept notes by 18 September 2024. This call for proposals seeks creative solutions from a diverse array of actors in Egypt, including religious institutions, charities, NGOs, local community groups, schools, universities, and the private sector.
Gender-based violence remains a pressing issue in Egypt. Up to 86% of women in Egypt have faced some form of violence, with domestic violence being particularly prevalent. The National Council for Women has reported a significant rise in domestic violence cases, with divorce rates reaching 220,000 in 2020. To address these challenges, the British Embassy in Cairo launched the “For Her, With Her” Fund in 2023, successfully partnering with ten Egyptian civil society organizations to tackle various forms of GBV. The second phase aims to further these efforts, emphasizing innovative, evidence-based solutions.
Egyptian actor Ahmed Hatem, who serves as the British Embassy’s Social Solidarity Ambassador, has been instrumental in raising awareness about the “لها ومعها” Fund since its first phase. Passionate about social causes that make a tangible difference, Hatem has continued to support the fund, recognizing its vital role in empowering Egyptian organizations, and directly benefiting communities across the country.
British Ambassador to Egypt, Gareth Bayley, stated:
“We are honoured to continue our partnership with Egypt through the second phase of the ‘For Her, With Her’ Fund. The positive results from the first phase highlight the dedication and efforts of Egyptian organizations in addressing gender-based violence. We remain committed to supporting these initiatives, working alongside our Egyptian partners to create safer communities and empower women and girls across the country.”
“Ahmed Hatem has been a tremendous advocate for the ‘لها ومعها’ initiative,” remarked British Ambassador Gareth Bayley. “His commitment to this cause has not only helped amplify our message but has also inspired others to join the effort to combat gender-based violence in Egypt.”
The “For Her, With Her” Fund will provide small grants to Egyptian organizations, encouraging them to work in consortia to ensure they reach rural and underserved communities. Concept notes can focus on one or more of the following types of violence: legislative violence, domestic and social violence, cyber violence. Eligible actors include religious institutions, charities, non-governmental organizations, local community groups, schools, universities, and the private sector.
Concept notes should clearly outline the evidenced need, ambition and projected impact, timeframes (12 to 24 months of implementation), estimated costs, risks, sustainability, and organizational capacity and track record. Proposals will be assessed based on evidence to justify intervention and projected impact, sustainability, strategic fit, project design and viability, technical expertise of staff on GBV, monitoring and evaluation, safeguarding, and risk management.
