CALL FOR PROPOSAL TOWARDS AMPLIFYING GRASSROOTS EFFORTS FOR GREATER IMPACT

Background
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria continues to lead the charge in advocating for the rights and welfare of women and children across Nigeria. To enhance the impact of its interventions and bridge the gap between national efforts and community-level realities, FIDA Nigeria seeks to strengthen grassroots mobilization and legal empowerment through innovative, community-driven projects led by its state branches.

Problem Statement
Despite significant interventions seeking to address gender inequality and child development challenges in Nigeria; vulnerable populations across grassroots communities, particularly women, children and persons with disabilities remain disproportionately vulnerable due to limited access to justice, inadequate support structures, and deeply entrenched socio-cultural norms prevalent across these local communities. These challenges are further intensified by the lack of coordination among stakeholders, insufficient awareness of legal rights, and resource constraints at the community level.
FIDA Nigeria, as a frontline organization advocating for women’s and children’s rights, faces difficulties in bridging the gap between national, state interventions and grassroots realities.
Many rural and underserved communities lack sustainable referral pathways, effective engagement with local actors, and mechanisms for enforcing women and children’s rights. This disconnect hinders timely responses and the establishment of a supportive environment where survivors can seek justice and protection. Moreover, the absence of comprehensive community-driven initiatives, such as legal clinics, volunteer networks etc over burdens the work of the existing paralegal network, thereby, continuing to perpetuate cycles of violence and marginalization.
Addressing these gaps requires a more holistic grassroots mobilization efforts that prioritize, partnerships with key stakeholders, and the development of localized strategies to bring to light sustainable solutions.
It is on this basis that FIDA Nigeria opens a Call for proposals from State Branches to implement targeted initiatives that will improve access to justice, promote legal literacy, strengthen collaboration and build community partnerships etc.

Objectives of the Initiative
• To strengthen referral pathways between communities and FIDA branches.
• To enhance collaboration and trust between FIDA branches and community stakeholders.
• To promote community-driven, sustainable responses to gender inequality, child rights violations and related justice challenges.

Proposed Activities (Branches may tailor activities in this line; however more innovative approaches would be prioritized):
i. Establish Legal Clinics in selected communities to offer free legal services to indigent women and children. This can include Partnership with Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs) to leverage community resources and shelter services.

ii. Implement Community Awareness and Sensitization Campaigns using local languages, radio programs, town hall meetings, and market outreach.

iii. Replicate the “FIDA Ward” model in Primary Health Centers to provide support services to women/children.

Eligibility
• Only recognized FIDA Nigeria State Branches in good standing are eligible to apply.
• Branches must demonstrate capacity for grassroots engagement and have functional structures (e.g., active committees or community focal persons).

Grant Support
FIDA Nigeria will support 10 selected State Branches with a ₦150,000 grant each:
• Initial disbursement: ₦100,000 upon selection.
• Balance payment: ₦50,000 upon submission of a final report documenting implementation and outcomes.
Note: Branches are encouraged to supplement funding through in-kind contributions, community partnerships, donations, and crowdfunding initiatives to ensure sustainability and broader reach.

Proposal Requirements
Proposals should be no more than 3 pages and must include:
• Title and Brief Description of the initiative.
• Problem Statement specific to the branch’s community context.
• Objectives and expected outcomes.
• Proposed Activities.
• Key Stakeholders and Partnerships to be engaged.
• Implementation Plan and Timeline.
• Monitoring and Evaluation Strategy.
• Sustainability Measures.

Monitoring & Evaluation
FIDA Nigeria’s Community Network Committee, shall monitor and provide oversight on the implementation of selected proposals. Selected branches must participate in periodic progress reviews and submit a final report.

Proposal Submission
All proposals must be submitted electronically to:
📧 fidanigeria@yahoo.com
📌 Subject Line: CFP – Amplifying Grassroots Efforts – [Your State Branch]
Deadline: Applications should be submitted on or before 6th June, 2025

Duration
The implementation period for this initiative is one (1) month, running from July/August, 2025
Contact Information
For further inquiries please contact Mrs. Olusola Olayinka Sulayman, Chairperson FIDA Nigeria Community Network Committee

Conclusion
This initiative presents a strategic opportunity for FIDA State Branches to lead impactful, community-centered interventions that foster inclusive access to justice and sustainable protection of the rights of women and children. We look forward to receiving bold, innovative, and locally relevant proposals from our branches across the federation.