ITU Gender Champions Programme 2027 for Young Women Leaders (Fully Funded to Geneva, Switzerland)

Reach us on

Applications are open for ITU Gender Champions Programme 2027. 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.

ITU Gender Champions Programme Benefits

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.
Subject to sufficient available funds, they may also receive support to implement or strengthen a community-level project advancing women’s and girls’ digital inclusion, access, skills or empowerment.

Eligibility Criteria

The programme is open to women aged 18–25 who are nationals of countries from the following ITU Regions : Africa, Americas, Arab States, Asia and the Pacific and Commonwealth of Independent States (see the full list in the application form) who are using digital technology to advance inclusive development.
Applications will be assessed based on relevance to gender equality in digital transformation, leadership in closing the gender digital divide, measurable impact and scalability, originality and innovation, and capacity for collaboration and sustained engagement.
Whether you are championing digital skills, expanding connectivity, developing innovative solutions, supporting online safety, advancing AI for social good, or advocating for inclusive digital policies, they encourage you to apply.

ITU Gender Champions Programme 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.