The Nineteenth OSSREA Gender Issues Research Grant Competition for Young Scholars

The Organisation for Social Science Research in Eastern and Southern Africa (OSSREA) is a regional research and capacity-building organisation based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Its mission is to develop and promote the emergence of a culture of excellence in the study, research and training in the social sciences.

OSSREA is pleased to announce the Nineteenth Gender Issues Research Grant Competition. Proposals may be submitted by researchers from any of the disciplines in the social sciences, with a focus on gender issues. Suggested topics for this year include the following:

• Access to and Control of Resources

• Gender and Socio-Political Dynamics

• Changing Gender and Generational Relations in AIDS-Ravaged Communities

• Gender, Economy, and Globalisation

• Framework and Policy for the Integration of Women in Development

• Sexuality and Reproductive Health

• Gender and Trade

• Political Mobilisation and Good Governance

• Literature, Religion, and Culture

• Gender Violence

Grantees are expected to conduct field research anywhere in eastern and southern Africa.

The primary objective of the competition is to encourage young scholars to conduct research that will contribute to the elucidation and understanding of gender issues as they relate to development. A secondary objective is to encourage the availability of research findings for policymakers as well as for teaching purposes.

While the competition is generally open to both women and men, women are strongly encouraged to apply. All applicants must be based in eastern or southern Africa, currently employed, enrolled in or otherwise affiliated with a national institution which conducts research. They must hold at least a Master’s degree from an accredited academic institution. However, female applicants not affiliated with research institutions but that have a BA degree and prior research experience will be considered for the competition. The applicant's institution must endorse the research to be undertaken and be willing to provide some support to the applicant. Proposals prepared for the fulfillment of the requirements for a degree will not be accepted.

Individuals who have won in previous OSSREA competitions are not eligible.

A complete proposal should contain the following:

1. A synopsis of the proposed research, including:

Title, (b) Background, (c) Problem statement, (d) Study objectives, (e) Study significance and scope, (f) Conceptual framework, (g) Literature review, (h) Methodology, (i) Bibliography, (j) Work plan, and (k) A break-down of the budget required to accomplish the proposed research both in local currency and its equivalent in US Dollars.

2. A current curriculum vitae of the applicant, including age, gender, educational level, nationality and a detailed address (Postal address, Tel., Fax & E-mail).

3. 3. A letter of endorsement from the institution of affiliation and official clearance from the relevant government authority (in countries where this is applicable).

4. 4. The size of the proposal should be limited to a maximum of 10-15 pages with 1.5 line-spacing. Applications that exceed the stated page limit will not be considered at all.

The budget for the proposed research should not exceed US$5,000 and may be used to cover actual research costs (e.g., local travel and subsistence, supplies, acquisition of documents, photocopying, and in the case of female applicants, child care expenses where deemed necessary). This will be subject to the approval of the Jury. Allocations for equipment (PC, tape recorders, etc.) and contingency are unacceptable.

Not more than US$1000 of the total grant will be allowed as payment of honorarium to the grantee.

Research grants will be awarded on the recommendation of a panel of scholars drawn from eastern and southern Africa. The panel will review all proposals, with the names of the applicants removed.

Successful applicants will be expected to take up their awards within three months from the date of notification. Normally, the award will be good for a period no longer than one year, by which time a final report and a statement of accounts for the grant fund expended should have been submitted to OSSREA.

Grantees will be required to deposit copies of their final research reports with the relevant university library, sponsoring academic department or the national archive(s) in the country where the research was conducted, in addition to submitting to OSSREA one hard copy and another copy on a CD or a floppy disk.

Grant applications and proposals should be submitted to OSSREA by express mail before 30^th April 2007. Electronic submissions will not be accepted. Completed applications and inquiries should be addressed to:

The Coordinator
19^th OSSREA Gender Issues Research Grant Competition
OSSREA
P.O. Box 31971
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Tel.: 251-11-1239484/1239717
Fax: 251-11-1223921
E-mail: girgc@ossrea.net 
Web site: http://www.ossrea.net

Back