UNDEF–UN Women Grants

Women’s democratic political participation takes many forms. Women vote, run for office, lead civil society groups, shape peace talks and contribute to public discourse through the media. Around the world, a growing number of women are engaged in all of these activities, but at levels much lower than those of men. Since democracy depends on women’s full participation, by definition, their limited political voice impedes the quality of governance. It also hinders women’s realization of their human rights and opportunities for development.

Making Democracy Work for Women

UN Women brings more than 30 years of experience in gender and governance into its collaboration on women’s political participation with the UN Democracy Fund (UNDEF). Since its inception in 2005, UNDEF has distributed annual grants to more than 100 countries, including to women’s organizations. Funds go towards democratic governance projects that strengthen the voice of civil society, promote human rights and encourage the participation of all groups in democratic processes.

UN Women assists women’s groups in the planning and implementation of approximately 10 percent of UNDEF projects. While grants across the board contribute to realizing broad gender equality goals, UN Women puts deliberate emphasis on ensuring that women have an equal voice in governance and public decision-making.

In addressing the many aspects of women’s political participation, UNDEF–UN Women grants recognize that these combine to sustain emerging momentum. Grants are helping women assert their leadership in elections, fight corruption, broaden peace talks and insert gender perspectives into media, among other aims. Many projects coincide with political reform processes, where powerful opportunities can arise to advance women’s participation by improving laws, institutions, and public perceptions and knowledge.

Core strategies involve developing the capacities of women to compete in politics and bringing gender into public policy-making. Support for building women’s networks forges vital links for achieving common goals. Communication and advocacy raise awareness of women’s importance in governance, and press to remove visible and invisible barriers that hinder women's political participation.

How Does UN Women Help Women’s Organizations?

UN Women supports women’s organizations that work on existing or prospective UNDEF grants. It assists groups in defining local priorities, developing and submitting proposals, implementing activities, and ensuring significant and sustainable results.

For more information, contact Caroline Horekens at