CFAs: Women’s Economic Autonomy and Sustainable Livelihoods (Colombia)

Deadline: 17-Sep-2026

UN Women is inviting eligible civil society organizations in Colombia to submit proposals supporting women’s economic autonomy and sustainable livelihoods through fishing, aquaculture, mangrove conservation, and tourism in Tumaco, Nariño. The selected organization will strengthen women piangua harvesters’ organizations, develop sustainable business models and an environmental and gastronomic tourism route, and implement mangrove conservation and communication strategies, with funding of up to COP 369 million for projects lasting no more than 10 months and ending by 31 July 2027.

About the UN Women Call

The call is part of the Sustainable Pacific Connection project, which seeks to strengthen the fishing and aquaculture value chain in Tumaco through a gender- and youth-responsive approach. The initiative places women’s economic empowerment at the centre of sustainable rural development while linking livelihoods with environmental conservation, peacebuilding, tourism and community participation. The selected implementing partner will work directly with women piangua harvesters’ organizations to improve their organizational, productive, environmental and tourism capacities. Key Objectives

The programme aims to:

Strengthen women’s economic autonomy and livelihoods. Increase women’s participation, leadership and decision-making. Stronger participation in local economic processes. Implement Mangrove Conservation and Restoration Mangroves are an important ecological and economic resource for coastal communities in Tumaco. The selected organization will implement a mangrove conservation and restoration strategy with the participation of women piangua harvesters’ organizations. Develop an Environmental and Gastronomic Tourism Route Another major deliverable is the design and implementation of an environmental and gastronomic tourism route led by women piangua harvesters. The initiative can connect local environmental resources, traditional knowledge, food culture and women’s livelihoods to create sustainable tourism opportunities. Projects should be structured so that all activities and deliverables can be completed within the permitted timeframe. Who Is Eligible? Eligible applicants are non-governmental, non-profit organizations registered in Colombia that meet the specified organizational and territorial requirements.

Applicants must:

Be legally registered in Colombia. Be a non-governmental and non-profit organization. Have a territorial presence in Nariño. Have an office in Nariño. Have the capacity to operate in both urban and rural areas of Tumaco. Have been legally established for at least five years. Have organizational objectives aligned with the activities described in the Terms of Reference. Have relevant implementation experience. Demonstrate experience implementing at least two projects during the previous five years. Demonstrate experience with similar rural development activities, particularly those incorporating a gender perspective. Which Organizations Are Encouraged to Apply? The call specifically welcomes organizations and initiatives with territorial presence in Nariño, including: Applicants should demonstrate that their organizational experience and mission are relevant to the proposed activities. How the Programme Works

Step 1: Assess the Local Context

Applicants should identify the economic, environmental and social challenges affecting women piangua harvesters and their organizations in Tumaco.

This should include consideration of:

Livelihood conditions. Productive capacity. Mangrove degradation. Market opportunities. Tourism potential. Gender-related barriers. Youth participation. Organizational needs.

Step 2: Design the Women’s Economic Empowerment Strategy

The proposal should explain how activities will strengthen women’s: Economic autonomy. Leadership. Income-generating opportunities. Productive capacity. Organizational capacity. Access to markets and resources.

Step 3: Develop the Mangrove Strategy

The project should establish a participatory approach to mangrove conservation and restoration involving women piangua harvesters’ organizations.

Step 4: Create the Tourism Route

The organization should design and implement an environmental and gastronomic tourism route that showcases local ecological resources, food traditions and women’s knowledge.

Step 5: Develop Sustainable Business Models

The proposal should identify practical business opportunities that can generate sustainable income while protecting the natural resources on which communities depend.

Step 6: Implement Communication Activities

A communication and territorial positioning strategy should promote the project, increase recognition of women-led initiatives and support the sustainability of project results.

Step 7: Monitor Results

The implementing organization should track progress across organizational strengthening, livelihoods, environmental conservation, tourism development, women’s empowerment and sustainability. Why This Grant Matters The programme connects gender equality, environmental sustainability and economic development rather than treating them as separate issues. For women piangua harvesters, mangrove ecosystems are closely connected to livelihoods and local economic activity. Protecting these ecosystems while developing sustainable tourism and business opportunities can therefore support both environmental resilience and women’s economic autonomy. The project also creates opportunities to elevate women’s leadership and traditional knowledge while strengthening local organizations and community-based economic models. Tips for Preparing a Strong Proposal

Applicants should:

Clearly explain their existing presence and experience in Nariño. Demonstrate knowledge of Tumaco’s rural and coastal context. Provide evidence of at least two relevant projects completed within the required period. Explain how gender equality will be integrated throughout the project. Make women piangua