SwitzerlandThe ITU Gender Champions programme recognises and supports emerging women leaders advancing digital transformation and inclusion — ITU Gender Champions is for young women using technology to create positive change in their communities. The programme selects up to four outstanding young women (18–25) to participate in AI for Good Global Summit 2027 in Geneva and to receive potential support for community projects.
Implemented by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) with support from Australia and Women’s WorldWide Web (W4), the programme aims to amplify impact, strengthen leadership, and connect participants with a global network of experts, policymakers and innovators. Applicants are encouraged to review the Programme Terms and Conditions before applying and to complete the official application form linked on the programme page.
ITU Gender Champions Benefits
- provides opportunities for young women changemakers to amplify their impact, strengthen their leadership, and connect with a global network of experts, policymakers, and innovators.
- 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.
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ITU Gender Champions Eligibility Criteria
- Are you a young woman using technology to create positive change in your community, country, or region?
- 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.
- 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, we encourage you to apply.
How to Apply for ITU Gender Champions?
- Applications are now open for the inaugural cohort of ITU Gender Champions.
- Complete the application form:
- Before applying, please review the programme documentation.
Don’t miss this deadline
Applications close on Sunday, 15 November 2026. We’ll email you 7, 3 and 1 days before.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the ITU Gender Champions Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, selection process, and how to apply based on the official programme page.
What is the ITU Gender Champions programme?
The ITU Gender Champions programme recognises and supports emerging women leaders who are advancing digital transformation, promoting digital inclusion, and helping shape a more equitable digital future. It connects selected champions with a global network of experts, policymakers and innovators and offers opportunities to amplify impact and strengthen leadership.
Who implements and supports the programme?
The programme is implemented by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) with support from Australia and Women’s WorldWide Web (W4). These partners support the initiative to identify and empower young women leading digital inclusion and transformation efforts.
Who is eligible to apply?
The programme encourages young women using technology to create positive change in their community, country, or region. For the first cohort, the programme will support up to four outstanding young women leaders aged 18–25 who are driving meaningful change through technology and digital innovation.
What opportunities do selected Gender Champions receive?
Selected Gender Champions will have the opportunity to participate in the AI for Good Global Summit 2027 in Geneva, Switzerland (21–25 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.
When are applications open and when do they close?
Applications open on 21 September 2026 and close on 15 November 2026, according to the indicative timeline on the official programme page. The review and selection process runs from 16 November 2026 to 7 March 2027, with the cohort announcement on 8 March 2027.
How are applicants selected?
Applications will be reviewed by ITU and programme partners against the programme eligibility and selection criteria outlined in the Terms and Conditions. The final cohort will be chosen to ensure diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and geographical representation. Only pre-selected candidates will be contacted.
Is financial support guaranteed for project implementation?
No. The official page states that, subject to sufficient available funds, selected champions may receive support to implement or strengthen a community-level project. Financial support for projects is therefore conditional and not guaranteed.
How do I apply to the programme?
The official page instructs applicants to complete the application form (a link is provided on the programme page). Applicants must review the Programme Terms and Conditions before applying and submit their application via the provided form link on the ITU Gender Champions programme page.
What events will selected champions attend?
Selected Gender Champions will have the opportunity to participate in the AI for Good Global Summit 2027 in Geneva, Switzerland, scheduled from 21 to 25 June 2027. Participation in the summit is a highlighted opportunity for the cohort.
Where can I find the programme terms and conditions?
The programme page includes a link to the Programme Terms and Conditions PDF. Applicants are advised to review the documentation before applying. The terms and conditions contain detailed eligibility and selection information referenced by ITU on the official page.
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