Our mission is to accelerate the power of women in formal political spaces across the Global South.

We see a world where diverse women political leaders are the norm – building societies that are democratic and equitable.
Women face institutional and cultural barriers, violence and discrimination in formal politics These tactics result in unequal representation of women, which holds back progress for equality.
We are a dedicated fund committed to providing holistic support for marginalized women to thrive and succeed throughout their political leadership lifecycle.

“It’s not just about getting women into leadership; it’s about ensuring they have the protection and support to thrive.”

– Ms. Latanya Mapp, President and CEO, RPA.

Our Work

The Colmena Fund addresses the challenges faced by women political leaders who advocate for democracy and human rights, providing support throughout their political journey. We focus on leaders marginalized by oppressive systems and structures including racialized women, people with disabilities, indigenous peoples, queer and gender nonbinary people.

We work at regional, national, and local levels in selected countries to:

  • Mobilize funding from private and public donors to increase support for women’s political leadership.
  • Offer multi-year grants and expertise to:
    • Support partner organizations to strengthen technical capacities of women political leaders and ensure their security and protection.
    • Create supportive environments by connecting women leaders in different sectors through regional networks, and amplifying their stories to tackle existing stereotypes and encourage other women to participate in politics.

Our goal is to increase the participation of women committed to democratic and human rights values in politics, running for office, thriving and sustaining leadership roles.

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Global Impact

In 2024, we started our grantmaking journey by launching the call for proposals Strengthening Support for Women Political Leaders in the 2024 Super Election Year, addressed to organisations experienced in working directly with women political leaders in context in which there has been gains though electoral processes in 2024.

We selected six projects around the world that seek to advance democracies and political representation of women in all their diversity.

Projects emphasize supporting diverse and historically marginalized communities such as LGBT+ and afro descendant women; gains are being made and that in many contexts women in all their diversity are a pro-democratic force.

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