Applications are now open for the Open Call: Women’s Economic Empowerment in Transport by RIDE (Research on Infrastructure in Developing Economies). This grant supports applied research that can lead to concrete change in transport policy, services, infrastructure, or operations in eligible partner countries.
At least two projects will be funded. Each selected project will receive £150,000–£200,000 per project. Research teams or consortia may be based anywhere in the world. However, the research must focus on one of RIDE’s specified partner countries.
Application Deadline: Friday, 20 November 2026, 6:00 pm CEST
Eligible Countries: Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Ghana, Indonesia, Philippines, South Africa, Vietnam
Host Organization: RIDE (Research on Infrastructure in Developing Economies)
Grant Amount: £150,000–£200,000 per project
Number of Awards: At least two projects
Project Duration: Projects can last up to 15 months; projects must be completed by 31 March 2028
Location: Research teams or consortia based at universities and research institutes anywhere in the world; research must focus on one of RIDE’s partner countries listed above
About the Grant
RIDE is soliciting research proposals on Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) in transport. Specifically, the call supports applied research with a clear pathway to influence transport systems and decision-making in low- and middle-income partner countries.
The opportunity is managed by RIDE’s Partnership Pillar (GIZ) and Research Pillar (WRI). In addition, it is delivered in partnership with WomenMobilizeWomen and the Global Alliance for Feminist Transport.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be research teams or consortia based at universities and research institutes anywhere in the world.
- Research must focus on one of the specified partner countries: Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Ghana, Indonesia, Philippines, South Africa, or Vietnam.
- Partnerships with LMIC-based institutions are strongly encouraged.
- Applications led by women researchers and researchers based in Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia are encouraged.
- Applicants must submit required documents as a single zipped file.
Grant Amount: £150,000–£200,000 per project
Project Duration: Projects can last up to 15 months; projects must be completed by 31 March 2028
Funding Scope Funding supports applied research on women’s economic empowerment in transport, with the aim of producing concrete change in policy, services, infrastructure, or operations in eligible partner countries.
How to Apply
Applicants should prepare the required submission documents and follow the instructions on the official application page. The required documents are:
- Cover letter (PDF)
- Research proposal (Word, max. 4,000 words)
- Detailed budget (Excel, GIZ template)
- Evidence of non-profit status
Before applying, review the official page carefully to confirm all instructions and document requirements.
👉 Visit the official grant page for details
