Application Deadline: November 15, 2026
Applications are now open for the 2026 ITU Gender Champions Programme. The ITU Gender Champions Programme recognizes and supports emerging women leaders who are advancing digital transformation, promoting digital inclusion, and helping shape a more equitable digital future.
Implemented by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) with support from Australia and Women’s WorldWide Web (W4), the programme provides opportunities for young women changemakers to amplify their impact, strengthen their leadership, and connect with a global network of experts, policymakers, and innovators.
For its first cohort, the programme will support up to four outstanding young women leaders (18-25 years old), who are driving meaningful change through technology and digital innovation. Selected Gender Champions will have the opportunity to participate in the AI for Good Global Summit 2027 in Geneva, Switzerland, taking place from 21 to 25 June 2027.
Requirements
The programme seeks to elevate young women who are already responding to these challenges.
Applicants may be working in fields such as:
- Digital skills and digital literacy
- Connectivity and internet access
- Artificial intelligence
- Digital innovation
- Online safety and cybersecurity awareness
- Women and girls in STEM
- Digital entrepreneurship
- Digital health
- Inclusive technology
- Technology for education
- Digital public policy
- ICT access
- Community technology initiatives
- Technology for social good
- Digital rights
- Women’s digital empowerment
Selection process
- Applications will be reviewed by ITU and programme partners against the programme eligibility and selection criteria outlined in the Terms and Conditions.
- Due to the anticipated volume of applications, only pre-selected candidates will be contacted. The final cohort will be chosen with a view to ensuring diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and geographical representation.
Indicative timeline
- Applications open: 21 September 2026
- Applications close: 15 November 2026
- Review and selection process: 16 November 2026 – 7 March 2027
- Cohort announcement: 8 March 2027
- Participation in the AI for Good Global Summit, Geneva: 21–25 June 2027
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the ITU Gender Champions Programme
