Are you a researcher at a university or research institute working on gender, transport, cities or climate? The Research Initiative for Data and Evidence (RIDE), funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and run with GIZ and the World Resources Institute, is offering research grants of £150,000 to £200,000 on women’s economic empowerment in transport. Projects must focus on one of 12 countries, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Ghana and South Africa. Proposals close on 20 November 2026 at 6:00 pm CET.
Grant at a Glance
- Programme: RIDE call on Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) in Transport
- Funder: UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)
- Administered by: GIZ (German development agency), with the World Resources Institute, Women Mobilize Women and the Global Alliance for Feminist Transport
- Grant size: £150,000–£200,000 per project
- Number of grants: At least two
- Duration: Up to 15 months, finishing by 31 March 2028
- Eligible African focus countries: Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Ghana, South Africa
- Who: Non-profit universities and research institutes, alone or in consortia
- Deadline: 20 November 2026, 6:00 pm CET (5:00 pm GMT)
Why This Research Matters
How women travel shapes whether they can reach jobs, markets, schools and services. Fear of harassment can make women turn down work or avoid customers. Floods and other climate shocks that cut transport links can wipe out small businesses run by women. This call funds research that produces practical evidence for governments, transport agencies and donors to act on.
Research Themes
- Violence against women and girls in transport, and how harassment and insecurity on roads, buses, minibuses and motorcycle taxis affect women’s economic opportunities.
- Climate resilience and women’s economic empowerment, for example how transport disruptions from floods, heat or extreme weather cause lasting economic losses for women, and what helps them recover.
Eligible Focus Countries
- Africa: Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Ghana, South Africa
- Asia: Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam
Benefits
- £150,000–£200,000 in research funding per project
- Administrative overheads can be included in the budget, in principle
- A chance to shape FCDO policy and programmes with your evidence
- Links to an international network of transport and gender researchers
Eligibility
- Research teams or consortia based at universities or research institutes anywhere in the world
- Research focused on one or more of the 12 eligible countries
- Implementing institutions must be non-profit and meet German non-profit (public-benefit) requirements, because GIZ administers the funds
- Partnerships with low- and middle-income country institutions are strongly encouraged
The evaluation gives weight to women researchers and researchers based in Africa and Asia, including in leadership roles. African universities are well placed to lead or co-lead.
Required Documents
Submit one ZIP file containing:
- A cover letter (PDF) naming the lead institution, partners and theme
- A research proposal (Word, up to 4,000 words) with a Theory of Change
- A detailed budget (Excel, using the GIZ template)
- Evidence of non-profit status
Tips for a Strong Proposal
- Put African researchers in leading roles. Consortium strength and LMIC leadership are scored.
- Plan research uptake carefully. It counts for 30% of the evaluation, so explain how ministries, transport authorities and operators will use your findings.
- Be specific about place and data. Name the cities or corridors, such as boda boda routes in Nairobi or danfo buses in Lagos, and how you’ll collect data safely and ethically.
- Get non-profit evidence early. University legal offices can take time to produce it.
- Keep within budget and timeline. Everything must finish by 31 March 2028.
How to Apply
- Read the full call for proposals and FAQs on the RIDE website.
- Download the GIZ budget template.
- Prepare your cover letter, proposal, budget and non-profit evidence as one ZIP file.
- Submit as instructed by 6:00 pm CET on 20 November 2026.
Questions can go to the GIZ contacts listed in the call.
Read the official RIDE call and apply
Download the full call for proposals (PDF)
