Partnering for Health, Equality and Rights (P4HER)
The FCDO invites expressions of interest by 27 September for grants to strengthen co-ordinated civil society action on gender equality, health rights, sexual reproductive health and rights and LGBTQIA+ rights in South Africa.
Overview
The Partnership for Health, Equality and Rights (P4HER) programme will strengthen bilateral partnerships on gender equality and health by advancing GBV prevention, reinforcing rights-based systems, and supporting health system reforms toward Universal Health Coverage. The programme will improve outcomes for women and girls (particularly those most vulnerable to violence and health disparities) as well as marginalised groups, including rural communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities.
Working with civil society to strengthen constructive accountability, collective action and coalitions around implementation of human rights and Constitutional rights affecting women and girls and vulnerable populations (such as LGBTQI+), particularly sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), gender-based violence (GBV), and universal health coverage (UHC)
What the fund will achieve
A stronger and more co-ordinated coalition of human rights defenders advances gender and health rights in South Africa by promoting accountability, protecting and advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), LGBTQIA+ rights, and the right to equitable access to healthcare, particularly for women and girls and other marginalised groups.
Through collective action and evidence-based advocacy, civil society actors are better equipped to address rollback on rights both domestically and internationally, strengthen accountability mechanisms, and influence the implementation of laws, policies and services that support gender equality, health equity and inclusion.
Requirements for organisations wishing to apply
Organisations that want to apply should:
- be established legal organisation in South Africa
- have experience delivering human rights-based work in South Africa, including on LGBTQIA+ rights, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and access to healthcare with cross-sector linkages
- have the ability to operate at provincial, national and international levels
- be able to demonstrate understanding of international human rights architecture
- have a proven track record of engagement in regional and global human rights fora
- have proven experience of working with other organisations in this space and proven constructive engagement with wide range of stakeholders
- have a strong financial track record
- qualify as not for profit organisations, civil society organisations
The lead implementing partner and all the activities funded under the agreement must meet all ODA eligibility requirements (refer to the FCDO Programme Operating Framework](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fcdo-programme-operating-framework) for guidance).
The lead implementing partner must demonstrate the capacity to enter into and manage an FCDO accountable grant and any necessary sub-contract/partnership arrangements required.
How to apply
Stage 1
Submit your expression of interest using this invitation form template by 11.59pm (South Africa Standard Time) on 27 September 2026.
Send your submissions to: P4HER.Proposals@fcdo.gov.uk with the subject line: “Expression of Interest: Partnering for Health, Equality and Rights.
If you have any clarification questions, please send to the same address, with the heading “Clarification for EOI” by 21 September 2026. We will publish the questions and our responses.
FCDO communication will contact short-listed organisations in the week commencing 5 October 2026.
If organisations do not receive an email to confirm they have progressed to the second stage, they can assume that their submission has not been successful.
Stage 2
Organisations who will progress to this stage will be notified by email to then proceed to submit a full proposal.
All submissions for Stage 2 must be received by 11.59pm (South Africa Standard Time) on 20 October 2026. Late submissions will not be considered.
Contact
For further information please contact: P4HER.Proposals@fcdo.gov.uk with the subject line: “Request for clarification”.