The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has opened applications for the inaugural ITU Gender Champions Programme 2027, an initiative recognising young women using technology to advance digital inclusion and create positive change in their communities, countries, or regions. The programme is implemented by ITU with support from Australia and Women's WorldWide Web (W4), aiming to recognise emerging women leaders already using technology to address challenges and help close the gender digital divide. The programme will support up to four outstanding young women aged 18-25 who are using digital technology to promote inclusion, digital transformation, and sustainable development.
Key Eligibility Criteria
- Age: Be between 18 and 25 years old.
- Gender: Be a young woman.
- Nationality: Be a national of a country within ITU's regional groups, covering Africa, the Americas, Arab States, Asia and the Pacific, and the Commonwealth of Independent States.
- Work: Demonstrate how your work contributes to inclusive development through technology, in areas such as digital skills and 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, or women's digital empowerment.
Applicants don't need to work in a particular technology sector. The focus is on how technology is being used to create measurable change and advance digital inclusion.
What Selected Gender Champions Receive
- AI for Good Global Summit 2027: Participation in the summit in Geneva, Switzerland, June 21-25, 2027.
- Global Network and Visibility: Connection with a global network of experts, policymakers, and innovators, with amplified visibility for their work.
- Potential Project Support: Subject to sufficient available funds, selected Champions may receive support to implement or strengthen a community-level project advancing women's and girls' digital inclusion, access, skills, or empowerment. This is not a guaranteed cash award.
Selection Criteria
Applications are assessed on relevance to gender equality in digital transformation, leadership in addressing the gender digital divide, measurable impact, potential for scalability, originality and innovation, capacity for collaboration, and potential for sustained engagement. Only pre-selected candidates will be contacted due to the expected volume of applications. The final cohort also considers diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and geographical representation.
Enjoying this article? Share it with your network!
Application Timeline
- Applications Open: September 21, 2026.
- Applications Close: November 15, 2026, 11:59 PM CET.
- Review and Selection: November 16, 2026 - March 7, 2027.
- Cohort Announced: March 8, 2027.
- AI for Good Global Summit: June 21-25, 2027, Geneva, Switzerland.
How to Apply
Apply through the official ITU Gender Champions Programme page, reviewing the programme's Terms and Conditions before submitting.
Disclaimer
Edfrica shares opportunities for informational purposes only. Results and outcomes are not guaranteed.
