The programme aims to:

• Support of the efforts of civil society in countering gender stereotypes, notably in order to combat the root causes of violence against women, Forced marriage and foster the participation and the role of women in public life;
• Support of the efforts of civil society in monitoring, promoting wide participation, raising public awareness and advocating the implementation of the Istanbul Framework of Action;
• Support of the efforts of civil society in developing capacity, monitoring, raising awareness among the wider public, educating and advocating for the respect of international standards;
• Support of the efforts of civil society in promoting gender equality and women’s rights in local development and supporting women’s participation in political life and local decision-making processes – e.g. enabling women to engage in dialogue with relevant local authorities and stakeholders on local development, conducting of poverty reduction and socio-economic development strategies that effectively empower women; or gender budgeting initiatives.