The Dutch government has introduced the FemFocus 2026–2030 grant programme, aiming to empower women across Africa and the Middle East. This initiative focuses on three key areas: supporting women entrepreneurs, combating violence against women and girls, and enhancing women's roles in peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
FemFocus is part of the Netherlands' 'Focus' policy framework, which seeks to strengthen local civil society organizations. These organizations will receive funding to provide essential services like healthcare, education, and psychosocial support. Additionally, they will engage in dialogues with authorities and other stakeholders to promote policy changes that benefit women.
The programme offers grants through three instruments: encouraging women's entrepreneurship, combating violence against women and supporting women human rights defenders, and women, peace, and security. Each instrument has a specific thematic focus and target group, with a total budget of €209 million allocated for the period 2026–2030.
The first focuses on encouraging women’s entrepreneurship, supporting women-led start-ups, cooperatives, and small businesses by improving access to finance, mentorship, and digital resources. It aims to reduce structural barriers that limit women’s economic participation, especially in sectors linked to sustainability and innovation.
The second instrument centers on combating violence against women and supporting women human rights defenders, enhancing protection mechanisms, legal aid, and psychosocial support for survivors. The third, Women, Peace and Security (WPS), invests in women’s participation in peacebuilding and conflict resolution across fragile regions such as the Sahel, Horn of Africa, and the Middle East. Together, these three pillars create an integrated framework that tackles economic, social, and security challenges to advance gender equality.
Civil society organizations interested in applying for these grants can submit their applications until January 7, 2026. The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs encourages organizations to design and implement activities that are context-appropriate and locally led, ensuring sustainable impact.