BANGKOK, October 14 — The WPS Civil Society Activation Initiative, a program under the Change We Make, is inviting proposals from practitioners across Southeast Asia working on Women, Peace and Security issues. The initiative aims to create space for experimentation, generating new thinking, tools, analysis, creative approaches, conversations, or action on emerging WPS issues. Funding is available for small pilot initiatives under three key themes: environmental threats, digital transformation, and women’s participation in peacebuilding.
The initiative welcomes diverse participants including women human rights defenders, artists, researchers, advocates, women’s rights organizations, civil society organizations, informal groups, and others working on women’s equality and peacebuilding. For communities in Southeast Asia, this initiative represents a chance to develop and test solutions that address the unique challenges women face in conflict-affected areas.
The program recognizes that peacebuilding takes many forms and encourages creative approaches to complex problems. The deadline for applications is March 2027, giving organizations and groups several months to prepare their proposals.
Creating Space for Innovation
The WPS Civil Society Activation Initiative specifically aims to foster new thinking on emerging issues that affect women’s security and participation in peace processes. By supporting pilot projects, the program creates opportunities for testing innovative approaches that can be scaled up if successful. For families across the region, particularly in areas affected by environmental degradation or digital transformation, these pilot initiatives could lead to practical solutions that improve daily life and enhance women’s safety and participation in community decision-making processes.
The initiative recognizes that effective solutions often come from within communities rather than being imposed from outside. By supporting local organizations and informal groups, the program helps ensure that approaches are culturally appropriate and responsive to specific community needs.
What makes this opportunity particularly valuable is its focus on experimentation and learning. Even projects that don’t achieve all their goals can provide valuable insights that contribute to the broader field of Women, Peace and Security in Southeast Asia.
Looking Ahead
As the application deadline approaches in March 2027, organizations and groups across Southeast Asia are encouraged to consider how they might contribute to this important initiative. The program represents a significant opportunity to advance women’s rights and peacebuilding in the region through locally-driven solutions. For communities and families directly affected by the issues addressed through this initiative, the potential impact extends beyond the immediate projects to create lasting change in how women participate in peace processes and address emerging threats to their security and wellbeing.
