COMIC RELIEF LAUNCHES NEW WOMEN & GIRLS INITIATIVE
Comic Relief has launched a UK and International initiative - Levelling the Field - which seeks to use the power of sport to empower women and girls. One of the aims of the initiative is to foster collaboration between the Women and Girls and Sport for Change sectors, and the initiative was developed following two consultation events to bring the sectors together and develop ideas.
In the UK the initiative is funded by The Treasury (£1m). Internationally, the Scottish Government are contributing £1.2m, and Comic Relief have matched it with £1m worth of funding. International projects must be located in either Malawi, Zambia, Rwanda, Colombia or India.
About the initiative
The lives of women and girls across the world have improved in many ways over the last 25 years, but there is still much to do. Empowering women and girls so that they are safe and free to lead the lives they choose is a key programme area in Comic Relief’s new global strategy.
Sport is a powerful tool for social change, and can be used to address issues affecting women and girls. It can support the development of essential life skills, deliver powerful messages, foster confidence and improve self-esteem. It can also be used to challenge gender roles and propel women and girls toward better lives.
Levelling the Field, offers funding to organisations working in partnership in the UK, which use the power of sport to empower women and girls to reach their full potential.
Funding available
This is a £1 million initiative funded by Comic Relief and the Treasury to support projects in the UK. Applications are welcome for a minimum of £30,000 and a maximum of £250,000, over a period of between 12 and 36 months.
Comic Relief are encouraging a variety of different types of projects. This could be a pilot for an innovative piece of work or the continued development of a proven piece of work. Funding is available for project delivery, research, or for a campaign.
Consultation
This initiative was developed following a consultation event in July 2016 with organisations from the Sport for Change and the Women and Girls sectors. The consultation highlighted a number of issues that disproportionately affect women and girls such as lack of opportunities, gender stereotypes and social isolation. This programme has been designed to address those issues.
Comic Relief also received feedback that they have a role to play in helping to facilitate the development of partnerships. In response, they have set up a Slack Channel to help maximise these opportunities and you can join this channel by emailing: [email protected].
Outcomes
Comic are looking for creative solutions which influence, motivate, and inspire women and girls to break down the barriers that prevent them reaching their full potential. Organisations may address the many challenges faced by women and girls in different ways. All proposals must use sport as a tool for change in their approach.
Proposals must work towards the overall outcome of inspiring women and girls to reach their full potential. In addition, proposals must work towards a minimum of one of the following outcomes:
- Reduce gender stereotypes that have a negative impact on women and girls – the use of realistic role models may be appropriate
- Increase social inclusion of women and girls – please note that proposals must focus on more than just bringing women and girls together
- Increase opportunities for women and girls to access education, employment and training – these may, or may not be within the sport industry
- Improve the leadership skills of women and girls – equipping women and girls with the skills to become leaders, in the setting appropriate to them
- Tackling violence against women and girls – enabling women and girls to live free from harm, and with access to crucial support
More information can be found here.