ITU Gender Champions Programme 2027

Applications are open for the ITU Gender Champions Programme 2027, an initiative designed to recognize and support young women using technology and digital innovation to create positive change in their communities, countries and regions. The programme is implemented by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), with support from Australia and Women’s WorldWide Web (W4).

The ITU Gender Champions Programme provides a platform for emerging women leaders who are advancing digital transformation, promoting digital inclusion and contributing to a more equitable digital future. The initiative connects young changemakers with a global network of experts, policymakers and innovators while giving them opportunities to strengthen their leadership and amplify their impact.

For its inaugural cohort, the programme will support up to four outstanding young women leaders between the ages of 18 and 25. Applicants should be using digital technology to advance inclusive development and demonstrate meaningful work that contributes to closing the gender digital divide.

About the Opportunity

The ITU Gender Champions Programme is part of ITU’s broader work to advance gender equality through information and communication technologies. It recognizes that young women can play an important role in shaping inclusive digital transformation and addressing barriers that prevent women and girls from fully participating in the digital economy and society.

The 2027 cohort is the inaugural group of ITU Gender Champions. Selected participants will join an international community of young women leaders and gain visibility through their participation in a major global technology and innovation platform.

The programme is particularly relevant to young women who have already taken action in their communities or countries and are using technology as a tool for inclusion, empowerment, innovation or social development.

Opportunity Benefits

• Opportunity to participate in the AI for Good Global Summit 2027 in Geneva, Switzerland

• Connection with a global network of experts, policymakers and innovators

• Recognition as an ITU Gender Champion

• Opportunity to amplify work in digital transformation and digital inclusion

• Leadership development and greater international exposure

• Potential support for a community level project advancing women’s and girls’ digital inclusion, access, skills or empowerment, subject to sufficient available funds

Programme Areas

Applicants may demonstrate work in areas such as:

• Digital skills and literacy

• Digital inclusion and access

• Expanding connectivity

• Technology and digital innovation

• Online safety

• Artificial intelligence for social good

• Inclusive digital policies

• Women’s and girls’ empowerment through technology

• Closing the gender digital divide

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be women

• Applicants must be between 18 and 25 years old

• Applicants must be nationals of countries within the ITU regions of Africa, the Americas, the Arab States, Asia and the Pacific, or the Commonwealth of Independent States

• Applicants must be using digital technology to advance inclusive development

• Applicants should demonstrate meaningful leadership or engagement related to digital transformation, digital inclusion or technology driven social change

• Applicants should have an initiative, project, advocacy effort or other work demonstrating how technology is being used to create positive change

The programme is intended for young women who are actively contributing to digital inclusion and related areas. A university degree or specific academic qualification is not identified as a requirement in the current ITU programme information.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed by ITU and programme partners using the programme eligibility and selection criteria.

The evaluation will consider:

• Relevance of the applicant’s work to gender equality in digital transformation

• Leadership in addressing the gender digital divide

• Measurable impact and potential for scalability

• Originality and innovation

• Capacity for collaboration

• Potential for sustained engagement

Required Application Information

• Completed online application form

• Information demonstrating the applicant’s use of digital technology to advance inclusive development

• Details of relevant leadership, projects, initiatives or activities

• Evidence demonstrating impact and contribution to digital inclusion or gender equality

• Information addressing the programme’s selection criteria

• Application submitted in English

Applicants should ensure that all information provided is accurate and complete, as the information submitted may be subject to verification.

How to Apply

1. Review the ITU Gender Champions Programme information and eligibility requirements.
2. Consider how your technology related work contributes to digital inclusion, gender equality or inclusive development.
3. Prepare accurate information about your leadership, project, initiative, impact and use of technology.
4. Complete the official ITU Gender Champions application form in English.
5. Submit your application before November 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM CET.
6. Keep supporting information available in case ITU or programme partners request verification.
7. Pre selected applicants will be contacted during the review process, with the inaugural cohort expected to be announced on March 8, 2027.