Call for Proposals: Inclusive Governance for Peace, Promoting Young Women’s Meaningful Political Participation in South Sudan

The Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) Network invites youth-led women’s organizations in South Sudan to submit proposals to conduct an annual monitoring report on young women’s participation in political and peacebuilding processes. This report will gather critical quantitative and qualitative data to highlight the opportunities, challenges, and contributions of young women in governance and peacebuilding spaces, with a research timeline spanning July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. 

1. Background 

 South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, has endured cycles of conflict that have significantly affected its political, social, and economic landscape. Since gaining independence in 2011, the country has struggled with issues of governance, conflict, and social cohesion. Efforts to build sustainable peace and democracy are ongoing, yet young women remain largely excluded from political and decision-making spaces. This exclusion stems from various barriers, including deeply ingrained patriarchal norms, lack of resources, limited political education, and prevalent security risks. 

Young women in South Sudan face double marginalization due to their age and gender, often relegated to subordinate roles or overshadowed by male counterparts and older women in leadership. Social norms discourage them from engaging in public life, while security risks and instances of violence against women in politics further deter meaningful participation. Consequently, the voice of young women is rarely represented in peacebuilding processes, leaving their unique perspectives and needs unaddressed. Recognizing these challenges, the Inclusive Governance for Peace project aims to increase young women’s active, safe, and meaningful participation in governance and peacebuilding. The initiative aims to strengthen advocacy for young women’s rights, highlight their contributions, and push for more inclusive governance structures in South Sudan through collaborating with youth-led organizations. 

This call for proposals will support the production of an evidence-based Annual Monitoring Report that reflects the lived experiences of young women in political and peacebuilding spaces from July 2024 to June 2025. The report will serve as a tool for advocacy, policy engagement, and public dialogue, aiming to foster more inclusive governance systems that reflect the aspirations of young women across the country. 

2. Objectives of the Call 

SIHA seeks a qualified youth-led women’s organization to: 

• Documenting the current state of young women’s participation in political and peacebuilding spaces, with attention to achievements, obstacles, and potential areas for improvement. 
• Use gathered data to develop compelling evidence for increased inclusion of young women in decision-making. Reports will be shared with key stakeholders, including government bodies, civil society organizations, and international actors. 

3. Scope of Work:

The selected organization will: 

1. Design and Implement Data Collection: 
   • With guidance from SIHA, develop tools for gathering both quantitative and qualitative data on young women’s participation in peace and political processes. 
   • Conduct interviews, focus groups, and surveys with young women engaged in or aspiring to enter political and peacebuilding roles. 
   • Gather data on barriers to participation, including cultural norms, security concerns, and resource limitations. 
2. Compile and Analyze Findings: 
   • Produce an annual monitoring report that goes beyond statistics to explore the lived experiences of young women, their successes, challenges, and the impacts of their involvement.
3. Dissemination and Advocacy: 
   • Collaborate with SIHA Network to disseminate findings via digital platforms, publications, and project events. 
   • Present report findings to influential stakeholders, including government representatives, political parties, women’s rights advocates, and community leaders, to catalyze policy and societal shifts.

4. Expected Deliverables

1. A comprehensive report that combines data and storytelling to capture young women’s participation trends, barriers, and recommendations.
2. Present findings at a designated project event or workshop to foster dialogue with government officials, political parties, CSOs, and community leaders. 

5. Eligibility Criteria

This opportunity is intended not only to generate strong research outputs but also to support and strengthen the institutional capacity of emerging youth-led women’s organizations in South Sudan. As such, SIHA encourages applications from organizations that show potential for growth and commitment to feminist principles, even if their institutional capacities are still developing. 

 Applicant organizations must meet the following criteria: 

• Must be a youth-led women’s organization based in South Sudan with a clear mandate or demonstrated experience working on gender, peacebuilding, youth empowerment, or political participation. 
• Applicants should demonstrate experience in data collection, documentation, or participatory research approaches, particularly in the areas of gender and governance. Previous publication of reports is not required but will be considered an advantage. 
• Must demonstrate interest and/or experience in using evidence to inform advocacy and amplify young women’s voices in political and peacebuilding spaces. 
• Organizations that are active within their communities, particularly with young women leaders (YWLs), and have mechanisms for feedback, youth engagement, and participatory processes will be prioritized. 
• Preference will be given to organizations with presence or partnerships in at least one of the following states: Western Bahr el-Ghazal, Central Equatoria, and Western Equatoria. 
• Must have at least 5 staff members and/or active volunteers who can support implementation. 
• Organizations with a minimum annual budget of $50,000 USD are encouraged to apply. Flexibility may be applied in cases where the organization shows strong potential and community roots, particularly in underrepresented areas. 
• Preference will be given to organizations that are SIHA members or affiliates. However, non-members may also apply and will undergo a vetting process if shortlisted. 

6. Project Timeline

The successful applicant will be expected to finalize the report, conduct dissemination, and contribute to advocacy efforts between August 1, 2025, and September 30, 2025.  

7. Application Process

Interested organizations should submit through the link: here

• A proposal document outlining  
• proposed methods for data collection, analysis, and reporting, ensuring a feminist, intersectional approach.  
• The proposal should include a detailed schedule for data collection, report compilation, case study creation, and dissemination activities. 
• Define specific activities, milestones, and outputs for each phase of the project. 
• References from past projects of a similar nature, particularly in South Sudan. 
• A clear budget proposal, with cost breakdown for each activity. 
• Organizational Profile including background of the organization, mission, and experience in gender and peacebuilding work. 
• Key staff involved in the project, including relevant expertise and resumes. 

8. Evaluation and Selection Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following: 

• Relevance and Innovation: Quality and relevance of the proposed methodology, with an emphasis on innovative approaches for collecting gender-disaggregated and context-specific data. 
• Organizational Capacity and Track Record: Demonstrated experience in youth and gender-focused research and advocacy. 
• Cost-Effectiveness: Efficient budget allocation and transparency in proposed costs. 
• Work Plan Feasibility: Realistic timeline, clarity in objectives, and alignment with project goals. 

Selection Process:  

• A committee from the SIHA will review applications, and shortlisted organizations may be invited for interviews. The successful organization will receive guidance and ongoing support from SIHA Network throughout the project. 
• The call for proposals is opened to women led youth organizations registered in South Sudan 

Submission Deadline: July 15, 2025