Aidsfonds has announced the upcoming launch of the EmpowHER Fund, a new initiative dedicated to empowering adolescent girls and young women in Southern Africa to take control of their sexual and reproductive health. The first Call for Proposals under this fund is set to open in mid-November 2025, offering local and regional organizations the opportunity to lead transformative HIV-prevention efforts that are community-driven and women-led.
Addressing a Critical Need
Across Southern Africa, adolescent girls and young women (ages 15–24) continue to experience disproportionately high rates of new HIV infections. They account for nearly two-thirds of new cases in the region, with infection rates up to three times higher than those of young men. These alarming statistics are driven by complex social, economic, and structural inequalities—including gender-based violence, poverty, discrimination, and restrictive social norms that limit access to information and healthcare.
Although a range of effective HIV-prevention methods is now available, many young women remain unable to access or consistently use them. Barriers such as high costs, supply shortages, limited availability, and exclusionary policies continue to hinder uptake. The EmpowHER Fund seeks to change this reality by supporting organizations that work directly with and for girls and young women, ensuring they have the resources, knowledge, and power to choose the HIV-prevention methods that best suit their needs and lifestyles.
About the EmpowHER Fund
The EmpowHER Fund aims to accelerate access to and adoption of current and emerging HIV-prevention options, including oral PrEP, the dapivirine vaginal ring, injectable cabotegravir, and upcoming long-acting innovations such as lenacapavir and the dual prevention pill. Through this fund, Aidsfonds intends to strengthen leadership among women and girls while fostering partnerships between governments, health systems, and community-led initiatives.
The program emphasizes advocacy, awareness, and demand creation—ensuring that prevention strategies are not only available but also embraced by the communities that need them most. By centering women’s leadership, the fund aspires to build a sustainable and inclusive movement for health equity and gender justice.
Funding Overview
The first round of the EmpowHER Fund will distribute €4 million over the period 2026–2028, with implementation in South Africa, Zambia, Kenya, Uganda, and Mozambique. Up to 20 grants will be awarded to eligible organizations. Sub-granting will be permitted only if it strengthens collective action and leadership among girls and young women.
Who Can Apply
Eligible applicants include registered local community-based organizations, networks, or movements led by women, girls, or gender-diverse individuals. Applicants must demonstrate a proven track record in HIV or health advocacy, experience engaging with governments and healthcare systems, and a clear commitment to feminist principles.
Collaborative proposals and consortia are strongly encouraged, especially those that promote national or regional cooperation. Non-registered organizations may participate under a fiscal host arrangement, provided that the lead applicant meets all eligibility criteria.
Focus Areas
Proposals should align with one or more of the following priorities:
- Advocacy: Promoting the accessibility and affordability of HIV-prevention options.
- Demand Creation: Driving awareness and increasing the use of prevention methods among adolescent girls and young women.
- Leadership Development: Strengthening women’s and girls’ participation in decision-making across community, health, and policy structures.
Activities Not Supported
The Fund will not support large-scale infrastructure projects, procurement of HIV-prevention commodities, or broad advocacy unrelated to HIV-prevention access. Activities such as general women’s rights campaigns, sexual and reproductive health services, or systemic health reforms must clearly link to improving HIV-prevention outcomes to qualify.
Application Timeline
- Call for Proposals Opens: Mid-November 2025
- Expression of Interest Deadline: December 1, 2025
- Full Proposal Invitations: Mid-December 2025
- Full Proposal Submission Deadline: Early February 2026
- Funding Decisions Announced: March 2026
- Project Implementation Begins: April 2026
Aidsfonds will also host a virtual Q&A session after the call is launched to provide further clarification for potential applicants.
Empowering Change
The EmpowHER Fund represents a significant step toward closing the HIV-prevention gap for girls and young women in Southern Africa. By investing in local, women-led initiatives, the fund aims to ensure that prevention tools are not only accessible but also equitable and empowering.
This initiative recognizes that lasting change comes from within communities themselves—by equipping young women with leadership, knowledge, and choice, the EmpowHER Fund seeks to transform the HIV-prevention landscape and contribute to a healthier, more just future for all.
