Consultancy: Writing two policy briefs on priorities and challenges of feminists in MENA 2021

Feminist Economic Futures

Terms of Reference

Assignment: Writing two policy briefs on priorities and challenges of feminists in MENA 2021.

Closing date: End of September 2021

Duration: 3 months (July, August, September 2021)

Location: Home Based

1. Introduction:

Within Strides, a project funded by Open Society Foundation, MENA Regional Platform (MENA-RP) is organizing a series of feminist circles that open spaces for feminists and women rights activists in MENA to engage in dialogue about priority issues, build networks and connections and exchange Knowledge and learning.

Four circles are organized in cooperation with Asfari Institute at the American University of Beirut and Marsa. They tackle different issues and aim to highlight main challenges and priorities for feminists in MENA and their common policy asks in a post-covid era which proved that the existing systems are not functioning and not serving MENA populations in all their diversity.

To develop two policy briefs that will be used for future influencing work in MENA,  MENA-RP is seeking support from an experienced, knowledgeable and well-connected feminist activist who would be able to document and summarize the main challenges and priorities from a feminist perspective as presented in the feminist circles, and write them in two policy briefs. The policy briefs need to be policy oriented and focus on policy and influencing asks. They would be used for engaging in policy discussions at the regional and international level.

1. Objective
   1. Identify the main policy asks for feminist in MENA
   2. Produce publishable policy briefs that can be used for reginal and international advocacy

2. Scope of Work:

The consultant is expected to participate in the four feminist circles, document and record them, use the discussions to develop two policy briefs. The consultant is expected to write up the most up to date issues, challenges and concerns on feminist in MENA, taking into consideration the diversity of the region and the different levels of stability, fragility and inequality. The policy briefs are to include the main policy asks that can be used for future advocacy and influencing work.  The policy briefs will be published Oxfam’s websites and newsletters and other MENA media outlets. They would serve as advocacy tools in regional and global meetings.

The consultant is expected to present the two policy briefs to selected feminist activists and Oxfam WROs partners to get their reactions, perspectives and views and include them in the final version of the policy briefs.

3. Deliverables:

• Two policy briefs that will be published on Oxfam policy and practice website
• Presenting and discussing the briefs with feminists in the region for their feedback and input
• Publish some versions of the policy briefs in regional media