Women’s Health: Funding and Progress
The Short List
connecting women to ideas and resources
Issue No. 08 · October 2026
Dear readers,
I hope you are all doing well.
This month’s newsletter reminds me how advocacy, policy and research can work together to improve women’s lives.
Women’s health is at the heart of many opportunities in this edition, supporting research, community projects and better care. I hope you find something useful to support your journey.
In our "Good News" section, there is encouraging progress in Australia, where women now have access to cheaper contraceptives through the Women’s Health Package. Room for progress remains as countries such as England, Chile and Colombia provide fully free contraceptives through their public health systems.
And as the end-of-year pressures begin to build, I invite to take a pause, grab a coffee and read Dr. Jenifer’s story in Our Voices, Huitaca's new space created to tell the stories of women like you and me. Her story explores finding a path beyond academia while facing professional pressures and health challenges.
Let us stay connected and please share to spread the love and the money! :)
Astrid R.
Research Opportunities
PhD and postdoctoral funding for women scientists and engineers from eligible low- and middle-income countries. Applicants must study abroad and demonstrate a commitment to returning home and contributing through research, teaching or leadership.
Who can apply: Women from eligible countries pursuing PhD or postdoctoral STEM research.
Deadline: 7 November 2026.
A two-year fellowship supporting African women scientists leading climate-responsive agricultural research. It includes mentoring, leadership development, gender integration, science communication and research proposal training.
Who can apply: Mid-career women agricultural scientists in Egypt, Morocco, Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Senegal, with a relevant master’s degree and at least seven years’ experience.
Deadline: 6 November 2026, 11:59 pm EAT.
Two women from the Global South will receive US$10,000 each over two years to support in-person graduate study in peace and development. Applications are available in English, Spanish and French.
Who can apply: Women from Global South countries who hold a bachelor’s degree and have been accepted into an eligible in-person graduate program.
Deadline: 15 January 2027.
Funding for research led by women and gender-diverse researchers addressing cardiovascular conditions and outcomes that disproportionately affect women and girls. Grants provide up to AUD 450,000 for early-to-mid-career researchers and AUD 750,000 for senior researchers.
Who can apply: Eligible researchers based in NSW and employed by an approved host organisation. Research must be conducted in NSW.
Deadline: 5 November 2026, 5:00 pm AEST.
The UK’s FCDO is offering up to £12 million to establish a research centre improving sexual and reproductive health services and rights across at least six low- and middle-income countries.
Who can apply: International research consortia led or co-led by an eligible university or nonprofit research institution in a low- or middle-income country.
Deadline: 30 November 2026, 17:00 GMT (expressions of interest).
A year-long programme offering mentoring, career development, international networking and two gatherings in Berlin, with travel and accommodation covered.
Who can apply: Final-stage PhD students and postdoctoral researchers who completed their PhD in 2021 or later, alongside equivalent qualifications. Women from the Global South are especially encouraged.
Deadline: 15 November 2026, 23:59 CET.
Grants of up to US$7,500 for research advancing understanding of women’s sexual health, across disciplines including public health, psychology, medicine and social work.
Who can apply: Undergraduate, graduate and medical students, residents, and postdoctoral or post-residency fellows. Applicants must have a faculty mentor who is an ISSWSH member. International applications are encouraged. The grant supports research about women’s health and is open to applicants of any gender.
Deadline: 30 November 2026.
Beyond Research
Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW) offers up to £10,000 for grassroots projects improving rural women’s health in eligible Global South countries. Women-led organisations supporting rural women and children are particularly encouraged. An applicant contribution is required.
Who can apply: Registered organisations established for at least two years and based in the project country. ACWW membership is required.
Deadline: 1 November 2026. Applicants must first register to confirm eligibility and request an application pack.
The Western Australian Department of Communities offers up to A$10,000 for projects advancing women’s wellbeing, leadership, economic independence, safety and justice. Initiatives can run for up to 12 months. Projects focused on family and domestic violence are excluded from this programme.
Who can apply: Incorporated nonprofits operating in Western Australia. Unincorporated community groups can apply through an eligible nonprofit auspice.
Deadline: 28 October 2026, 3 pm AWST.
Oilwatch International, in partnership with the Global Greengrants Fund, offers up to US$5,000 for community projects lasting 6–9 months. Funding supports climate and environmental justice, including Indigenous territorial rights, ecosystem protection and women’s leadership in energy and environmental decision-making.
Who can apply: Grassroots, Indigenous, women-led and other eligible community organisations that are active Oilwatch members or partners, with submission routes for Latin America, Africa and Southeast Asia.
Deadline: 13 November 2026, 23:59 GMT.
UNICEF offers up to US$100,000 in equity-free funding, 12 months of technical mentorship and access to its global network for companies developing technology to improve women’s and girls’ health, wellbeing and sexual and reproductive rights.
Who can apply: Companies registered in a UNICEF programme country, with a working prototype using technologies such as AI, machine learning, blockchain or data science, and a commitment to open-source licensing. Women-led startups and founders under 35 are strongly encouraged to apply.
Deadline: 4 November 2026.
Good News
Reported 7 September 2026 • According to the Australian Department of Health, more than one million women have accessed cheaper contraception, menopause therapies and endometriosis treatments since March 2025. The department reports over A$150 million in savings through these subsidised prescriptions—a concrete improvement in the affordability of women’s healthcare.
How we tell stories can help change how women are seen and heard. LatFem Lab offers free, self-paced online courses in Spanish to help people communicate with a feminist perspective. Topics include ecofeminism, reproductive rights, communication for young activists and journalism that avoids harmful stereotypes.
Created by Latin American feminist media outlet LatFem, the platform is especially relevant to journalists, researchers, activists and community organisations wanting to share their work and stories more effectively.
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HUITACA is based in Australia and acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, waters, and community. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.
www.huitaca.org | huitaca@huitaca.org
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