Explore, hosted by RECOFTC and supported by the Government of Sweden, is offering institutional grants to strengthen gender equity in learning, teaching and research within universities and research institutions in Cambodia, Lao PDR and Timor-Leste. Grants range from USD 15,000 to USD 25,000, to be implemented over nine months, ending February 2027.

The call aims to address structural gender barriers in higher education and promote long-term institutional change through context-specific, inclusive and sustainable interventions.

Eligible Activities

Institutions may propose actions that:

• Conduct gender analyses to identify systemic gaps in curricula, teaching or institutional culture.

• Update or implement gender policies and action plans.

• Integrate gender into teaching content and research guidance.

• Conduct training on gender-responsive leadership and inclusive pedagogy.

• Establish or strengthen gender committees and cross-departmental working groups.

• Pilot institutional support measures such as childcare feasibility studies, mentoring systems, or reporting mechanisms for harassment or discrimination.

Eligibility

• Universities or research institutions working in forestry, forest governance, environment, social sciences, gender studies, law or related fields.

• Institutions based in Cambodia (private only), Lao PDR and Timor-Leste.

• Department-level proposals are accepted if they show institutional relevance and potential for broader impact.

• Institutions must provide due diligence documents (registration, policies, audits) before contracting.