IDRC Gender Unit Annual Research Competition 2003-2004: Decentralization and Women's Rights in Sub-Saharan Africa

Increasingly in Sub-Saharan Africa, the context within which women's human rights are to be protected and realized is one of decentralized or decentralizing states. Contemporary decentralization is changing the relationship between citizens and the state, and is having an impact on the entitlement of citizens to certain rights: in this case, on women's entitlement, as citizens, to the protection and realization of their rights, as set out in international and national legislation.

The Gender Unit is launching a competitive call for proposals for research investigating whether and how contemporary decentralization reforms, in practice, contribute to or on the contrary hinder the realization and protection of women's and girls' civil, political, social, economic and/or cultural rights.

All principal researchers and co-researchers must be citizens of developing countries. Up to five (5) grants will be awarded, each with a value of up to $100,000 CAD, for projects of 18 months to 2 years. The deadline for submission of applications is December 5, 2003. For more information and to download a complete application kit, please click www.idrc.ca/gender.

Gender Unit Email: [email protected]