WELCOME TO RIZA

Building European Democracy with Women of Migrant Descent

 

RIZA — meaning “root” in Greek — is a European Union–funded project that places grassroots civil society organisations (CSOs) at the centre of upholding the fundamental values of the European Union: human dignity, democracy, equality, the rule of law, and human rights. These values, embedded in the EU. 

Treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights, must apply to everyone on EU  soil — yet, too often, they remain out of reach for the most marginalised, especially migrant and refugee women.

Led by the European Network of Migrant Women (ENoMW), in partnership with Foundation Pangea (Italy)Monika – Multicultural Women’s  Association (Finland) and Melissa Network (Greece)RIZA will support and strengthen 99 small-scale grassroots organisations across all EU Member States over the course of 4 years. Through three funding cycles, the project will deliver financial support and tailored capacity-building to empower grassroots actors working with and for women of migrant background — especially those in the most isolated and under-resourced settings.

  • Grassroots Power. European Values. Women’s Leadership.
  • riza seeks to empower civil society organizations that:

Are led by or actively serve migrant and refugee women,

Advance women’s rights, equality, anti-discrimination, and inclusion,

Work to protect human rights and promote democratic participation at the local level.

  • KEY THEMATIC PRIORITIES:

 

All selected grantees will work within one or more of the following focus areas:

EU Values and Rule of Law

Strengthening knowledge and advocacy for EU fundamental rights and legal frameworks.

Equality and Women’s Rights

Combating discrimination and violence against women and girls; advancing women’s social and legal empowerment.

Solidarity and Democracy

Building peaceful communities and amplifying the voices of migrant women in democratic spaces.

Sustainability and Resilience

Supporting long-term impact and operational growth of grassroots organisations.

First Call for Funding now CLOSED. We no longer accept applications.

NEXT round of Riza Funding will be in June 2026.

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