Research Opportunities

Challenging Patriarchal Institutions and Strengthening Anti-Harassment Responses in ASEAN

Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), sexual harassment, and gender discrimination remain persistent across ASEAN societies, including in universities, schools, government agencies, workplaces, public services, and civic institutions. Although many ASEAN Member States have introduced laws, policies, complaint mechanisms, child protection systems, and gender equality commitments, implementation remains difficult. The challenge is not only legal or technical. Anti-harassment work often confronts deeply embedded patriarchal structures: hierarchical authority, institutional silence, victim-blaming, fear of retaliation, weak accountability, informal protection of powerful actors, and gender norms that normalize unequal power relations. These barriers are visible in higher education, where students and staff may face harassment but lack safe reporting channels; in schools, where school-related gender-based violence affects children and youth; and in state agencies, where bureaucracy, rank, and political sensitivity may prevent meaningful institutional reform.

Proposal Details

Theme: Challenging Patriarchal Institutions and Strengthening Anti-Harassment Responses in ASEAN

This Call for Research Proposals invites scholars, public officials, researchers, practitioners, and policy actors from ASEAN Member States to critically examine why anti-harassment reforms are difficult to implement and how patriarchal structures within institutions can be weakened or transformed. The initiative seeks evidence-based, policy-relevant, and regionally grounded research that contributes to safer, more inclusive, and gender-just institutions across ASEAN.

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Eligibility

Southeast Asian scholar-practitioner and academic working and based in Southeast Asia. The proposed research project can be part of an ongoing research but must not have been published yet.

Expected Result and Output

The project is expected to produce a research paper, policy report, policy brief, or other knowledge products suitable for wider dissemination, contributing to evidence-based discussions on the issue. It will also generate practical recommendations for ASEAN, national governments, schools, universities, and relevant state agencies to inform policy and institutional reforms. In addition, the researchers will be required to present their findings and recommendations during the regional dialogue, providing an opportunity for stakeholders to engage with the research and discuss pathways for implementation.

Submission Deadline

10 July 2026 (11:59PM BKK Time)

Announcement of Result

By or before 17 July 2026

Please ensure that you carefully read the SHAPE-SEA Commissioned Thematic Research 2026 on Anti-Harassment Response in ASEAN Concept Note and Submission details, which can be downloaded below, before completing the application form. The information package provides full details on the research grants, including eligibility criteria and application guidelines, and will help you better understand the scope and requirements of the program. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all submitted documents are complete and accurate. The committee will not be responsible for reviewing, correcting, or redistributing any files that contain errors or mistakes prior to the selection process or at any stage thereafter.

SHAPE-SEA - Anti-Harassment Responses in ASEAN | Commissioned Thematic Research 2026

Proposal Submission Deadline
10 July 2026 (11:59 GMT+7)

The selection committee will assess all applications based on alignment with the theme, quality of the research proposal, and feasibility of timely completion. All applicants will receive a confirmation of receipt from the SHAPE-SEA Secretariat once the submission deadline has closed on 10 July 2026. The announcement of results will be released by or before 17 July 2026. Please note that due to the volume of applications expected, only selected applicants will be contacted to move forward in the process. We thank all applicants in advance for their interest and contributions to the search for gender and human rights in Southeast Asia

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