Fighting GBV in Campuses: SVRI Is Offering SRHR Research Grant 2026 To Tackle GBV in higher education institutions (HEIs)

The Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI) now invites applications for its SVRI Grant 2026, a new funding stream addressing gender‑based violence (GBV) in higher education institutions (HEIs)—especially within STEM disciplines in low‑ and middle‑income countries (LMICs). With awards ranging from $40,000 to $100,000 over 12–24 months, this grant targets evidence‑based research that integrates sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) principles into institutional transformations.

Why this focus matters

GBV remains deeply entrenched in HEIs worldwide. Globally, roughly 1 in 3 women experience physical or sexual violence during their lifetime, with LMICs often reaching rates as high as 1 in 2. Within universities, psychological, physical and sexual abuse is common—studies from LMIC campuses reveal incidence levels of 18–30% physical violence, ~19% sexual, and 65% emotional/verbal abuse among female students.

Women in STEM fields face additional pressures. In some settings, rates of sexual assault among women in gender‑balanced STEM majors were nearly three times higher than in non-STEM areas. Other research shows women outperform men academically in engineering and physics, yet report lower self-confidence, underscoring systemic bias and isolation.

What SVRI is seeking

Funded by Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC), the SVRI STEM‑focused stream seeks projects that:

• Current institutional support from HEIs.

• Influence policy and practice with measurable uptake.

• Operate intersectionally, considering gender, disability, race, class, and sexual orientation.

• Engage multidisciplinary teams aligned with long‑term institutional change.

• Target priority gaps identified in SVRI’s GBV in the HEI agenda.

SVRI encourages projects led by LMIC‑based organisations, with research designs ranging from primary data collection to mixed methods and implementation science.

Innovation and impact

By encouraging locally led, feminist and rights-based approaches, this grant stream supports mentoring and capacity‑building for early-career researchers, network building, and research that can be translated into policy and practice within universities. As SVRI notes, this focus arises “in recognition of the unique risks, barriers, and opportunities for addressing GBV in STEM fields within HEIs in LMICs”.

Why it matters for SRHR

Understanding GBV in STEM HEIs intersects directly with sexual and reproductive health rights. Unsafe campuses restrict access to education and perpetuate gender inequality. Evidence-informed institutional policies can create safer, more inclusive learning environments, enhancing access to education, psychological wellbeing, and broader societal empowerment.

How to apply

• Deadline: 11 August 2025, 11:59 PM South African Time 

• Level of award: $40,000 up to $100,000 

• Applications via Proposal Central (registration required).

• Languages accepted: English, French, Spanish.

• For more details, click here or contact: svri@svri.org 

Watch the recorded online session for a complete walkthrough of the SVRI Grant 2026 application process and key requirements.

Source: SVRI