RIZA
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.
Our Mission
RIZA seeks to empower civil society organisations 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.
Financial Structure
90% of the grant will be disbursed upfront upon signing the grant agreement.
The remaining 10% will be paid upon completion of the project, full participation in the capacity-building programme, and submission of a final report.
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.
Grassroots Power. European Values. Women’s Leadership.
RIZA is more than a funding programme — it is a commitment to ensuring that migrant and refugee women are not left behind in Europe’s democratic project. By investing in those working closest to the ground, we are rooting EU values where they are needed most — in the lives, leadership, and communities of women forging a more just, equal, and inclusive Europe.
* Stay tuned for more updates and how to apply this September.
