Applications are now open for the second cohort of the Sexuality, Gender, and Rights Institute (SGRI) Arabic 2027, a regional residential institute developed in collaboration with CREA.

SGRI Arabic 2027 is a residential course adapted from CREA’s globally recognized model, designed specifically for the Middle East & North Africa / Southwest Asia & North Africa (MENA/SWANA) context. Hosted by the Asfari Institute for Civil Society & Citizenship at the American University of Beirut, this intensive program brings together activists, scholars, and practitioners working at the intersections of sexuality, gender, and human rights. It offers a rigorous, participatory, and interdisciplinary space for critical learning, reflection, and strategic collaboration.

Institute Details

• Dates: July 5-9, 2027
• Venue: AUB Mediterraneo, Pafos, Cyprus
• Daily Schedule: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm 

Course Content
The Institute combines conceptual and theoretical study with regionally grounded case studies and participatory learning tools. The curriculum will be led by regional and international faculty and will address themes such as:

• The social construction of sexuality
• Sexuality, human rights, and legal systems in MENA/SWANA
• Gender, power, and cultural norms
• Freedom of expression and censorship in sexuality discourse
• Media, culture, and representation
• Anti-gender movements and human rights pushback
• Disability, sexuality, and inclusion
• Intersectionality in advocacy and rights-based work
• Case studies of program interventions and policy influence

Pedagogical Approach
SGRI Arabic 2027 is an intensive academic course, not a training or workshop. Participation requires a high level of commitment and active engagement throughout the programme. Participants are expected to attend full-time classes, complete assigned academic readings and course materials in advance, and come prepared to engage critically with the discussions and activities in class.

The course requires participants to dedicate sufficient time both inside and outside the classroom to reading, preparation, reflection, and participation. Applicants should therefore ensure that they are able to commit fully to the programme and manage the academic workload for its entire duration before applying.

SGRI centers on collective, experiential learning through:

• Classroom-based instruction
• Group work and simulation exercises
• Rights-based policy analysis and advocacy tools
• Film screenings and discussion
• Learning from the lived experiences of activists and practitioners
• Emphasis on linking theory to practice

Eligibility Criteria
We welcome applications from individuals based in/from and working on issues relevant to the MENA/SWANA region, including:

• Activists, organizers, researchers, and practitioners
• Individuals working on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), gender-based violence (GBV), disability rights, public health, or queer, trans or/and feminist organizing
• Individuals affiliated with feminist and human rights movements or community-based initiatives

Note:

• Full-time students are not eligible
• We encourage applications from structurally excluded groups
• Preference will be given to applicants embedded in local civil society efforts

Application Process
Applications must be submitted by December 4, 2026. Selection will be conducted on a rolling basis, so early submission is strongly encouraged. Only selected applicants will be contacted.

Fees and Scholarships
Registration Fee:
USD 250 (mandatory for all selected participants)

Course Fees:
    •    USD 2000 – for participants affiliated with INGOs or donor agencies
    •    USD 1000 – subsidized rate for participants from the Global South

Fees cover: tuition, resource materials, lunch and coffee breaks, and shared accommodation (breakfast included).

Fees do not cover: international travel, visas, dinners, or local transportation.

Scholarships:
A number of need-based scholarships are available.

Scholarships may include:

• Solidarity scholarship (flight, tuition, materials, accommodation)
• Full scholarship (tuition, materials, accommodation)
• Partial scholarship (covers USD 500; participant contributes USD 500)
• Contribution scholarship (covers USD 300; participant contributes USD 700)

All scholarship recipients must still pay the USD 250 registration fee.

Travel and Visa:
Participants are responsible for arranging and covering travel, visa, and travel health insurance costs. The Asfari Institute and CREA will provide visa support documentation upon acceptance. All participants must purchase health insurance covering the full Institute duration.

Language:
The Institute will primarily be conducted in Arabic and with just a few sessions in English; hence comprehension of both languages is required.

Accessibility:
We are committed to making the Institute accessible and will provide reasonable accommodations for participants with disabilities.

AI-Generated Applications: 

Applications that are substantially or entirely generated using artificial intelligence (Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, etc.) tools will not be considered. Applicants are expected to submit original work that reflects their own ideas, experience, and qualifications. The use of AI tools for minor language editing or proofreading is permitted, provided that the substance and content of the application remain the applicant’s own.

Contact Information:
For questions or support with the application process, please contact: asfariinst@aub.edu.lb