The African Women’s Development Fund has announced a new opportunity for individuals across Africa to apply for its Participatory Grant Advisory Panel (GAP) 2026. The initiative is designed to involve survivors, advocates, and community practitioners directly in funding decisions related to child sexual abuse (CSA) prevention, response, and survivor support across the continent. Applications are open until 18 May 2026, and selected participants will help shape how resources are allocated to organisations working in child protection and gender justice. Overview of the Participatory Grant Advisory Panel The Participatory Grant Advisory Panel (GAP) is a funding governance mechanism that integrates lived experience and community knowledge into grantmaking decisions. It is part of a broader shift toward participatory philanthropy, where those affected by social issues contribute directly to shaping solutions. Instead of relying solely on institutional decision-makers, the African Women’s Development Fund is expanding its model to include individuals with diverse perspectives from across African communities. The panel is intended to ensure that funding decisions are informed by real-world contexts, particularly in sensitive areas such as child protection. The GAP brings together a diverse group of participants, including: Survivors of child sexual abuse, including those who choose not to disclose publicly Advocates working in gender justice and child protection Community leaders and grassroots organisers Practitioners in social development and safeguarding Individuals with experience in survivor support systems This structure is intended to ensure that funding decisions reflect both technical expertise and lived experience. Purpose and Strategic Objectives The primary purpose of the GAP is to improve the effectiveness, fairness, and accountability of funding decisions related to child sexual abuse interventions across Africa. The panel is expected to contribute to several key objectives: Strengthening survivor-centred approaches to grantmaking Enhancing trauma-informed decision-making processes Improving prevention and response systems for child sexual abuse Ensuring funding priorities reflect community realities and needs Supporting transparency and inclusivity in resource allocation By embedding community voices into decision-making structures, the African Women’s Development Fund aims to ensure that funding reaches initiatives with the highest potential for meaningful impact. Eligibility Criteria The call for applications is open to individuals from across Africa who are committed to advancing child protection and gender justice. Eligible applicants include: Survivors of child sexual abuse, whether publicly disclosed or undisclosed Advocates and practitioners working in child protection or gender justice Community leaders engaged in safeguarding or social development Professionals supporting survivor-centred programmes or related services Applicants are not required to disclose any personal experience of child sexual abuse at any stage of the application or participation process. This safeguard is designed to ensure confidentiality, safety, and dignity for all participants. The panel prioritises individuals who demonstrate: Commitment to survivor-centred and trauma-informed approaches Interest in community-led development and gender equality Ability to participate in review and discussion processes Willingness to contribute time and insight to funding deliberations Application Process and Requirements Applicants are required to submit: A curriculum vitae (CV) A letter of interest outlining motivation and relevant experience Applications must be sent via email to: consultants@awdf.org The deadline for submission is 18 May 2026 (close of business). Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for additional clarification during the selection process. Significance of the Initiative The GAP represents an important shift in how philanthropic funding is designed and implemented. By including survivors and community stakeholders in decision-making processes, the African Women’s Development Fund is strengthening accountability and relevance in grantmaking. This participatory model is particularly significant in the context of child sexual abuse, where traditional top-down approaches may fail to fully capture community realities or survivor needs. Key benefits of this approach include: Improved alignment between funding and community priorities Greater legitimacy in funding decisions Enhanced trust between funders and communities More effective and context-specific interventions Strengthened survivor empowerment in policy and programming spaces The initiative also contributes to broader efforts to improve child protection systems across Africa by ensuring that funding supports interventions that are both practical and locally grounded. About the African Women’s Development Fund The African Women’s Development Fund is a leading feminist philanthropic institution that supports women’s rights organisations and social justice movements across Africa. The organisation is committed to advancing gender equality, strengthening civil society, and promoting inclusive development. Through its funding programmes, AWDF supports initiatives that address structural inequalities affecting women, girls, and marginalised communities. The Participatory Grant Advisory Panel reflects its broader commitment to feminist principles, including participation, accountability, and equity in decision-making. Call for Action The Participatory Grant Advisory Panel (GAP) 2026 offers a significant opportunity for individuals across Africa to contribute directly to shaping funding decisions for child sexual abuse prevention and response programmes. By bringing together survivors, advocates, and practitioners, the African Women’s Development Fund is advancing a more inclusive and participatory approach to philanthropy. This model ensures that funding decisions are informed by lived experience and community knowledge, strengthening the overall impact of child protection and gender justice initiatives across the continent. For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding. LEARN MORE HERE