Strengthening Political Leadership & Reducing Economic Barriers for Women in the MENA Region

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The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) is committed to enhancing the ability of women throughout the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) to participate actively in and successfully contribute to political, social and economic developments in their home countries. According to the 2013 World Bank Gender Equality and Development report, most MENA countries have made significant strides in improving gender equity in areas such as education and health. However, according to the report, progress has not yet translated into substantial increases in female economic and political participation. This funding opportunity seeks to advance the U.S. Government?s commitment to supporting the women of the Middle East and North Africa to achieve their enormous potential, specifically by strengthening women?s political participation and by supporting advocacy for legislative and regulatory reforms that will reduce economic constraints for women. It also builds on discussions and commitments under the 2012 G-8 Broader Middle East and North Africa (BMENA) Initiative, chaired by the United States and Tunisia, which focused on women?s empowerment as a key focus area. In the final Declaration of the 9th Forum for the Future in December 2012 in Tunis, BMENA governments agreed on the ongoing need to address a range of issues that impact women in the region, including gender-based discrimination and low rates of women?s participation in economies, public service, and decision-making institutions including parliaments. We seek to build on those BMENA commitments and support concre te progress in improving women?s political and economic empowerment throughout the region. Applicants may submit only one application to this announcement. The application must address one priority area; applications addressing more than one priority will not advance to the Technical Review stage. The application can propose to work in one or more of the eligible countries. Please notify MEPI via nea-grants@state.gov by April 4, 2013 if you intend to submit a proposal. We are requesting this information for our planning purposes only and a response does not constitute a commitment.

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