18 Global Opportunities for Women and Girls Currently Open – October 15, 2026

African Female Artist Mentorship Program 2026–2027 The Girl Child Art Foundation’s African Female Artist Mentorship Program connects emerging African women artists with experienced mentors who can help refine their creative practice and professional direction. The programme offers individualised guidance to artists who have clear learning goals and the commitment to develop their work. It is intended for African women aged 19–40 who are at an early stage of a professional artistic career; applicants enrolled in post-secondary study are not eligible. Applications require a statement, portfolio and professional reference and are submitted by email. Click here to apply | Deadline: October 30

IAEA Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme 2026 The International Atomic Energy Agency’s Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme supports women pursuing master’s-level study in nuclear-related disciplines. Eligible fields include nuclear engineering, physics, chemistry, nuclear medicine, radiation biology, nuclear safety and related areas relevant to peaceful nuclear applications. Selected fellows may receive scholarship support and access to internship opportunities facilitated by the IAEA. Applicants must be women from IAEA Member States who have been accepted into, or are already enrolled in, an accredited master’s programme in a qualifying field. Click here to apply | Deadline: October 31

SHE-CAN Scholar Program 2026–2027 — Liberia Applications The SHE-CAN Scholar Program supports promising young women leaders from low-income backgrounds to pursue undergraduate education at partner universities in the United States. The programme combines assistance with securing a full scholarship, mentorship, leadership development and preparation to contribute to change in participants’ home countries. For this application cycle, the deadlines for Cambodia and Guatemala have passed, but Opportunity Desk lists November 1 as the deadline for applicants from Liberia. Prospective applicants should review the country-specific eligibility and academic requirements before applying. Click here to apply | Deadline: November 1

Gloria’s Foundation Fellowship 2027 Gloria’s Foundation offers a year-long fellowship for activists, artists, organisers and creative thinkers whose independent projects centre on justice and community change. Two fellows will receive a $5,000 stipend, opportunities for community exchange and access to a New York City working space and resources. The fellowship draws inspiration from Gloria Steinem’s history of feminist organising, although applicants are not limited to women. Applicants must be at least 18, able to work in the United States and based in, or able to relocate themselves to, the New York metropolitan area. Click here to apply | Deadline: November 1

UNICEF Venture Funding Opportunity for Femtech Solutions 2026 UNICEF Femtech Ventures is inviting technology startups to develop open-source solutions that improve the health, wellbeing and sexual and reproductive health and rights of girls and women. Selected companies can receive up to US$100,000 in venture funding, twelve months of technical mentorship and access to UNICEF’s international network. The programme particularly encourages women-led companies and young founders, and seeks applicants registered in UNICEF programme countries with a functioning prototype and a commitment to open-source principles. Relevant technologies include artificial intelligence, data science and other frontier tools. Click here to apply | Deadline: November 4

AWARD Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship 2026 — Cohort 2 The AWARD Women in Agriculture Leadership Fellowship is a two-year professional development programme for mid-career African women scientists and practitioners working in climate-responsive agriculture and agrifood systems. Fellows benefit from mentoring, leadership and negotiation training, science communication, gender-integration learning and research-proposal development. This cohort targets women from Egypt, Morocco, Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Senegal who hold at least a master’s degree and have substantial relevant experience. It is designed to increase women’s influence in agricultural research, policy and institutional leadership. Click here to apply | Deadline: November 6

EQUALS in Tech Awards 2027 The EQUALS in Tech Awards recognise programmes and initiatives using digital technology to expand opportunities and rights for women and girls. The 2027 categories cover emerging technology for inclusion, digital skills and leadership pathways, and safe and inclusive online spaces. Civil society organisations, social enterprises, companies, academic institutions, governments and partnerships may apply with a specific ongoing initiative rather than an organisation-wide nomination. Winners gain international recognition, visibility and connections through the EQUALS partnership, helping amplify effective work on closing the gender digital divide. Click here to apply | Deadline: November 7

Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowships 2026–2027 The Schlumberger Foundation’s Faculty for the Future programme funds women from low- and middle-income countries pursuing PhD or postdoctoral research in science, technology, engineering and mathematics at recognised institutions abroad. It prioritises applicants who are committed to advancing research and teaching capacity in their home countries and to becoming role models for future women scientists. Candidates must be women from eligible countries, have applied to or secured a place at an appropriate host institution, and be undertaking qualifying advanced research rather than a master’s degree. Click here to apply | Deadline: November 7

Equality Fund Journalism Fellowship 2026–2027 The Equality Fund Journalism Fellowship supports journalists in official development assistance-eligible countries to report on local solutions to global crises through a gender lens. Five selected journalists will participate in a six-month learning programme, with additional time to complete their stories, and receive a CAD $4,000 stipend plus limited reporting-expense support. The fellowship includes editorial learning, safety training and engagement with experienced journalists. It is relevant to reporters interested in feminist movements, community resilience, gender justice and evidence-based stories that can influence public debate. Click here to apply | Deadline: November 8

Amelia Earhart Fellowship 2027 (up to US$12,000) Zonta International’s Amelia Earhart Fellowship supports women pursuing full-time doctoral research in aerospace engineering and space sciences. Up to thirty fellows may receive US$12,000 each to advance research and professional development in fields where women remain underrepresented. Applicants may be of any nationality but must demonstrate an excellent academic record and meet programme requirements relating to doctoral enrolment, research focus and anticipated completion date. The award is intended for current PhD or doctoral students rather than postdoctoral researchers. Click here to apply | Deadline: November 15

Falling Walls Foundation Female Science Talents Intensive Track 2027 The Female Science Talents Intensive Track is a one-year development programme for twenty outstanding early-career women researchers from a wide range of scientific disciplines. Fellows gain access to leadership and professional-skills workshops, mentoring, high-level scientific events in Berlin and an international network of researchers and decision-makers. The programme aims to increase the visibility, influence and career progression of women in science while encouraging cross-disciplinary exchange and collaboration. Applicants should demonstrate scientific achievement, ambition and readiness to participate fully in the programme. Click here to apply | Deadline: November 15

Harvard LEAD Fellowship for Promoting Women in Global Health 2027–2028 The Harvard LEAD Fellowship develops the leadership of professionals from low- and middle-income countries who are working to advance women in global health. The twelve-month programme combines virtual learning with an in-person experience at Harvard, individual coaching, mentoring, executive education and opportunities to engage with faculty and global health leaders. Applicants must demonstrate professional leadership potential and provide a CV, statement of intent, essays and institutional and mentor commitments. The fellowship is designed to translate individual leadership development into stronger organisations and health systems. Click here to apply | Deadline: November 15

ITU Gender Champions Programme 2027 The International Telecommunication Union’s Gender Champions Programme recognises young women using digital technology to advance inclusion and positive social change. It is open to women aged 18–25 from eligible ITU regions, including Africa, the Americas, Arab States, Asia and the Pacific. Selected champions can strengthen their visibility, connect with technology and policy leaders and may participate in the AI for Good Global Summit 2027 in Geneva. Applications are assessed for leadership, innovation, measurable impact, scalability and contributions to closing the gender digital divide. Click here to apply | Deadline: November 15

Girls On Campus She Leads Scholarship 2026 (up to US$1,500) The Girls On Campus She Leads Scholarship provides financial recognition to an incoming or current undergraduate woman who demonstrates academic promise, financial need and commitment to leadership and community impact. The award offers up to US$1,500 and seeks applicants who are actively pursuing their education while working to create positive change. Candidates should be prepared to explain their academic goals, the challenges they have navigated and how their education will help them contribute to others. Full eligibility and submission requirements are available through the programme listing. Click here to apply | Deadline: November 25

Yves Rocher Foundation Terre de Femmes International Award 2027 The Terre de Femmes International Award recognises environmental projects led by women, with the 2027 theme focused on trees in cities. Two winners will each receive a €10,000 grant and become part of a network of women working to protect nature. Eligible applicants are adult women or groups of women leading practical urban-tree initiatives through an established non-profit organisation, foundation or NGO. Projects may be based anywhere in the world and should demonstrate tangible environmental and community benefits. Click here to apply | Deadline: November 30

Echidna Global Scholars Visiting Fellowship 2027 The Brookings Center for Universal Education’s Echidna Global Scholars programme supports leaders from the Global South working to advance gender-transformative education. Over six months, fellows conduct research on improving learning and life outcomes for girls, young women and gender-nonconforming people, while building policy, leadership and communication skills. The fellowship offers a US$26,500 stipend and a structured research and professional-development experience. Applicants need a master’s degree, strong knowledge of gender and education, relevant leadership experience and the ability to conduct research and communicate effectively in English. Click here to apply | Deadline: December 1

Open Doors Fellowship Program 2026 for Women Researchers in Africa The Open Doors Fellowship Program supports postdoctoral and mid-career women researchers working in agricultural research institutions in Africa. It aims to help participants strengthen technical and leadership skills, expand professional networks