Overview

The Gender and Public Health Emergencies (GPHE) Working Group is proud to launch its small grants program focused on research, advocacy and programmatic interventions related to gender and public health emergencies.

This scheme intends to support organizations working on aspects of gender and public health emergencies. It is open to members of the GPHE Working Group. For more information on how to join the Working Group please see: https://www.genderandcovid-19.org/ We invite applications that focus on evaluating GPHE interventions, research on lessons learned on gender considerations during health emergencies, success stories on gender and public health, and for workshops or other educational programs related to gender and public health emergencies. Approximately five grants of up to 20,000 USD will be awarded for activities over a period of three to six months.

The GPHE Working Group invites applications from the 15^th September 2023 (00:01BST) to 15^th October 2023 (23:59 BST). Applicants can send questions for clarification on about the call by the 5^th October 2023 to the following email genderandcovid@gmail.com

Applications will be reviewed by a committee made up of members of the Working Group between the 25^th October and the 5^th December 2023.

Background

Public health emergencies, such as disease outbreaks and natural disasters, can have disproportionate impacts on different populations leading to gender-based disparities. Understanding and addressing the gender dimensions of public health emergencies is crucial for effective response and recovery efforts (1, 2).

Gender considerations play a significant role in public health emergencies, as they influence vulnerability, access to healthcare, social roles, and power dynamics within households, communities, and organizations. Historically, gender has been recognized as a determinant of health, affecting health outcomes and access to services. In emergency situations, pre-existing gender inequalities can be exacerbated, creating new challenges and exacerbating the burden on marginalized populations, particularly women, girls and gender minorities (3, 4).

The GPHE Working Group recognizes the importance of integrating a gender lens into emergency interventions and aims to promote research, advocacy, and the sharing of field experiences in this area.

The small grants program seeks to fund projects that contribute to advancing knowledge and practice in the field of gender and public health emergencies. This includes research projects that evaluate the effectiveness and impact of gender and public health emergencies  interventions, investigations into lessons learned and best practices regarding gender considerations in health emergencies, documentation and dissemination of success stories and innovative approaches, and workshops aimed at raising awareness and promoting gender-responsive policies and interventions.

By supporting people within the GPHE Working Group worldwide, the grants program aims to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and capacity building in the field of gender and public health emergencies. Through these efforts, the Working Group aims to contribute to improved emergency response strategies, better outcomes for vulnerable populations, and the promotion of gender equality in public health emergencies. The GPHE Working Group’s small grants program represents a significant opportunity for researchers, practitioners, and advocates to make meaningful contributions to the understanding and integration of gender considerations in public health emergencies. It is a vital step towards building a more inclusive and equitable approach to emergency preparedness, response and recovery.

Indicative grant areas of focus

Area 1: Evaluating gender and public health emergencies interventions

Impact assessment of gender-responsive health interventions in public health emergencies: For example through conducting research to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of specific interventions that address gender considerations in public health emergencies.

• Evaluation of community-based approaches to address gender-specific needs in public health emergencies: For example, through focusing on assessing the effectiveness and outcomes of community-based interventions that aim to meet the gender-specific needs of affected populations during public health emergencies.

• Comparative analysis of gender mainstreaming strategies in public health emergency response: For example, through comparing and evaluating different approaches and strategies for mainstreaming gender considerations in public health emergency response efforts.

Area 2: Research on lessons learned on gender considerations during health emergencies

• Case study analysis of gender-responsive approaches in previous health emergencies: For example, through conducting in-depth case studies of past health emergencies to identify and document lessons learned regarding gender considerations. Researchers could analyze the implementation of gender-responsive policies, interventions and strategies during these emergencies, assessing their effectiveness, challenges faced and best practices identified.
• Research exploring gender-specific impacts and coping mechanisms during health emergencies: For example, through conducting research, such as interviews or focus group discussions, to explore the gender-specific impacts of health emergencies on affected populations. Researchers could examine the unique challenges faced by different gender groups, the coping mechanisms utilized, and the role of social norms and power dynamics in shaping gender experiences during emergencies

Area 3: Documentation of success stories on Gender and Public Health Emergencies

• Video documentary showcasing innovative gender-responsive interventions during health emergencies: For example, through producing a video documentary that highlights successful and innovative approaches in addressing gender considerations during health emergencies. The documentary could feature interviews with key stakeholders, affected communities and other experts to share their experiences, lessons learned and the impact of gender-responsive interventions. It can serve as a tool for raising awareness, sharing best practices and advocating for the integration of gender considerations in future emergency responses.
• Photo exhibition showcasing the resilience and empowerment of gender-affected populations during health emergencies: For example, through focusing on curating a photo exhibition that captures powerful images depicting the resilience, empowerment and challenges faced by gender-affected populations in health emergencies. The exhibition could feature photographs taken by community members, frontline workers or professional photographers to convey the stories and experiences of individuals and communities. It can serve as a visual tool to raise awareness, evoke empathy, and foster dialogue on the importance of gender-inclusive approaches in emergency settings.
• Artistic expression through storytelling or performance to amplify gender perspectives in health emergencies: For example, through supporting artistic projects that use storytelling, theatre, music, or other creative forms to depict the gender dimensions of health emergencies. Artists could collaborate with affected communities and experts to develop performances or artworks that convey the experiences, challenges, and triumphs of different gender groups during emergencies. These creative expressions can engage diverse audiences, evoke emotional responses, and prompt critical reflection on gender-related issues in public health emergencies.

Area 4: Advocacy or educational workshops related to gender and public health emergencies

• Capacity-building workshops on gender-responsive approaches in public health emergencies: For example, through organizing a workshop to build the capacity of stakeholders, including policy-makers, healthcare professionals or humanitarian workers, on integrating gender considerations in public health emergency preparedness, response and recovery.
• Multi-stakeholder dialogue on policy and practice gaps in gender and public health emergencies: For example, through convening a multi-stakeholder dialogue to discuss policy and practice gaps in addressing gender considerations during public health emergencies. The workshops could bring together representatives from government agencies, NGOs, academia, and affected communities to identify barriers, share experiences and propose recommendations for policy reforms and programmatic improvements.
• Media and communication training/outputs on gender-inclusive messaging in health emergencies: For example, through organizing a workshop to train journalists, media professionals, and communication professionals on gender-sensitive reporting and messaging during health emergencies. The workshop could provide guidance on portraying gender dimensions, avoiding stereotypes, and promoting inclusive language in media coverage.

Eligibility

• Applicants must be a member of the Gender and Public Health Emergencies Working Group at time of application. For information on how to join the Working Group see https://www.genderandcovid-19.org/
• Grants can only be dispersed to legally registered academic or not-for-profit making organisations. While individuals may apply, they must have an organization willing to accept and administer funds on their behalf.
• Members of the GPHE Working Group, located anywhere around the world, can apply for this small grant; Preference will be given to applications from lower-middle and middle-income countries and/or those that focus on populations disproportionately impacted by public health emergencies.

Applications

Submissions should include a completed application form and a detailed budget. Submissions without a budget and action plan will not be evaluated.

Download the application form here

Submission details

Please submit your applications via genderandcovid@gmail.com