WVL SA works with civil society organisations (CSOs); community-based organisations (CBOs); faith based organisations (FBOs); networks; lobby and activist groups promoting the rights of women and girls; and other marginalised groups such as women living with disabilities and the LGBTIQ organisations.

The Multi-Year Core Grants target four provinces:

Gauteng

Gauteng is a melting pot province with a high proportion of immigrants. The province is densely populated and the demographics of the province are diverse.

Limpopo

Limpopo is a rural province with high levels of poverty and has strong influences of culture and tradition.

Western Cape

Western Cape is the only opposition province in South Africa and it is important for political inclusiveness to include the Western Cape. This province is also the home base of parliament which is important for policy and advocacy work.

KwaZulu-Natal

KwaZulu-Natal is a rural province with high levels of poverty; strong influences of tradition and culture. KZN was traditionally the strongest province in South Africa where women rights organisations were based and this has weakened due to funding challenges.

GL’s GBV Indicators study in the four provinces (covering a total of 2800 women and 2821 men) provides rich baseline data on the extent, effects, response, support and prevention mechanisms in each province. GL has applied these studies in its work with 15 Centres of Excellence (COE) for Gender and Local Government that seek to end gender violence, community by community, and have offered institutional bases for supporting the WVL Programme as it is rolled out. For example, the COEs have provided venues for pre-call briefings, and will provide technical support for the online application process.

Organisations in all nine provinces will be able to apply for the Networking and Alliance Building Grant  and the Rapid Response Grant.