Save the Date: MENA Donor Events at NEDWA

September 26-29 2019
Location: Cyprus*

Global Philanthropy Project and Arab Foundation For Freedoms and Equality invite grantmakers invested or interested in the Middle East and North Africa’s (MENA) LGBTI movements to save the dates for NEDWA on September 26-29 for specific grantmaking programming. There will be a cocktail reception on September 26 and a short Post-Conference Donor Debrief and dinner on September 29th. GPP is coordinating donors to attend and participate in the NEDWA conference to learn, share grantmaking experiences, and meet activists in one of the least funded LGBTI regions in the world. 

NEDWA’s theme for 2019 is “Stronger Roots for Stronger Alliances.”

NEDWA believes that the basis of any strong movement lies in its roots. NEDWA will be drawing from the MENA region’s successes and best practices to feed into LGBTI movements’ resilience, protective mechanisms, collective care, and communal healing. Secure roots empower resilient and far-reaching branches through which the work can flourish and bear its fruits. Our branches are our alliances; they carry our voice and allow us to persist in the face of great adversity.

Register here!

*See FAQ for more information about location, and other attendee details to be shared following registration.

About NEDWA

In 2013, The Arab Foundation for Freedoms and Equality organized the first Alumni Meeting, a yearly event originally organized in the context of the Social Change Program (SCP), and aimed to bring together the alumni of the SCP. After four years, the Alumni Meeting evolved to become a regional space/conference on gender and sexuality in the MENA region. The conference aims to tackle thematic areas under the banner of gender and sexuality to highlight new research and bring to the forefront new topic areas and the latest debates both in academia and from the field. This will help not just AFE but also other groups and individuals understand the knowledge gaps and needs of the region in terms of research, information, and advocacy. The conference will also serve as a networking space, creating the opportunity for individuals from around the region and working on the region to come together and build relationships and explore partnerships.

GPP and NEDWA

For both 2013-2014 and 2015-216 the MENA region is the lowest LGBTQ funded region based on the GRR 2015-2016.
The number of grants reported was 175 for a total of funding of $6.7 million.

Global Philanthropy Project and Arab Foundations for Freedoms and Equality are committed to bringing grantmakers to the region to discuss the limited LGBTI funding in the MENA region. GPP and Funders for LGBTQI issues’ report The Global Resources Report 2015-2016 found the following striking data: 

  • Turkey and Lebanon had the highest LGBTI funding in the region over 2 million USD in grants to organization in Turkey and less than 1 million USD in grant to organizations in Lebanon. 
  • 94% of the grantees funded for the work in MENA were based in the region. 
  • Human Rights funding constituted 79% of all LGBTI funding documented in the MENA region. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official language of the conference?

The official conference language is Arabic, however there will be English and French translation. Feel free to submit your registration in any of the three languages. 

What are the conference fees and costs?

Fee for donors is $300USD which includes 3 daily meals for four days and transportation from and to Larnaca’s airport. NEDWA will reserve hotel room for attendees, once travel information on registration link is completed. Cost of hotel will be charged on arrival to the hotel. 

How is payment arranged?

Once you submit your registration form, NEDWA organizers will follow up with you to share payment details and other conference logistics. 

Where is NEDWA being held?

The location will be announced to attendees upon acceptance of registration. 

Will there be transfer offered from airport to conference venue?

Yes, NEDWA will be providing pick-up from and to the Larnaca’s airport. Details to be shared following registration. 

Will you provide visas?

If you need a visa, NEDWA can arrange it. Please email them directly at nedwa@afemena.org