HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on 8 March. In 2024, the theme is ‘Count Her In: Accelerating Gender Equality Through Economic Empowerment’. This theme aligns with the priority theme of the UN’s 68th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) and focuses on advancing economic inclusion for women and girls around the world. It highlights the need to remove barriers, expand access to resources, and create opportunities that enable women and girls to fully participate in the economy.
Women’s rights are not a side issue. They are essential to global development. Whether your project focuses fully on women or includes gender as a cross-cutting theme, knowing how to write strong, respectful proposals can make a big difference when applying for funding.
Here are some practical tips to help you write winning proposals that support women’s empowerment:
Research Donors More Deeply
- Many donors support gender equality, but not always directly
- Gender may be treated as a cross-cutting issue rather than a main focus
- Don’t rely only on keyword searches; carefully read donor strategies and priorities
- Watch for special calls for proposals around International Women’s Day that focus on women’s rights and empowerment
- Spending extra time on research can greatly improve your chances of finding the right funding opportunities
Be Clear and Strategic
There’s no quick fix to gender inequality. A strong proposal should:
- Clearly explain your goal, strategy, and approach
- Include both qualitative stories and quantitative data
- Show how you’ll measure success with specific indicators
- Think about potential negative side effects and how to avoid them
Real change is complex. Show that you’ve thought it through.
Show Women’s Leadership
Donors want to see that you don’t just support women, you include them in leadership.
- Highlight women on your board, in management, and as project leaders
- Show how women from the community help shape the project
- Mention internal policies like equal pay, parental leave, and anti-harassment rules
Walk the talk inside your organization and out.
Use Empowering Language
- How you describe women in your proposal greatly impacts how your work is perceived
- Use respectful, person-centered language that highlights women’s strengths, agency, and leadership
- Avoid stereotypes and generalizations
- Always obtain consent before using photos or personal stories
- Treat every beneficiary as an individual with dignity, not just a statistic or a group
Skip the Pity, Focus on Power
Trying to make donors feel sorry for women may lead to one-time support, but it won’t build lasting relationships.
Instead, show:
- Strength
- Hope
- Progress
- The real, active role of women in your work
People give more when they feel inspired, not just sad.
Link to SDG 5 (Gender Equality)
If you’re applying for government or international funding, make sure to connect your work to SDG 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
- Mention relevant targets (like 5.1 to 5.6 or 5.A to 5.C)
- Use the 14 global indicators to strengthen your case
For private donors, this is optional but still useful.
Referencing SDG 5 shows you’re aligned with global goals.
Stay Informed and Connected
- Gender issues are always evolving; staying informed is key
- Follow updates on women’s rights and development trends
- Join events like the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)
- Engage in global networks such as AWID or local women-led forums
- Keep learning and stay in the loop to strengthen your impact
Need More Help?
Explore expert tips, practical templates, and real-world examples to strengthen your next funding application. Use these tools to build programs that genuinely empower women and create lasting impact.
