Global Women Connect
Applications are open for the Global Women Connect Mentoring Programme 2026/2027, an international mentoring initiative designed to help women strengthen their leadership capabilities, build professional relationships and develop the confidence to create meaningful change. The programme brings together experienced women leaders and emerging or established professionals through structured mentoring relationships that encourage mutual learning, reflection and professional growth.
Delivered as part of Global Women Connect, the programme aims to build trusted relationships that support positive change at the individual, organisational and environmental levels. It recognizes that leadership development is strengthened when women have access to supportive professional networks, practical guidance and opportunities to reflect on their experiences.
The programme is designed for both mentors and mentees. Mentees can use the relationship to explore their professional ambitions, address workplace challenges and identify opportunities for growth. Mentors, meanwhile, can contribute their experience while developing their own coaching, communication and leadership skills.
The mentoring programme runs for approximately 9 to 12 months and is delivered entirely online, making participation accessible to women in different countries and time zones. Participants engage in mentoring conversations every four to six weeks, alongside supporting webinars and structured opportunities to review their progress.
Participation is free. Priority is given to women based in the Global South, including those working in resource constrained or crisis affected settings. Applications for the 2026/2027 programme must be submitted by October 16, 2026.
The Global Women Connect Mentoring Programme provides a structured environment where women can learn from one another, strengthen their professional capabilities and develop practical approaches to leadership challenges.
A central feature of the programme is its mentee led approach. Rather than following a fixed agenda imposed by the mentor, each mentee identifies the questions, ambitions and challenges they want to explore. The mentor provides a supportive and reflective space to help the mentee examine options, learn from experience and make informed decisions.
The programme is intended for women working in humanitarian, development and social impact sectors. It recognizes the importance of leadership in organisations and communities addressing complex social, economic and environmental challenges.
The initiative also encourages mutual learning. Mentors have opportunities to refine their mentoring and coaching skills, gain fresh perspectives and reflect on their own professional practice. Both participants are expected to engage consistently and contribute to a constructive relationship throughout the programme.
The programme offers professional development opportunities for both mentees and mentors.
Benefits for mentees
• Develop leadership capabilities and confidence.
• Build resilience when navigating professional challenges.
• Identify strengths, ambitions and opportunities for growth.
• Improve professional performance and decision making.
• Receive structured support to reflect on challenges and career goals.
• Establish a trusted professional relationship with an experienced woman leader.
Benefits for mentors
• Develop mentoring and coaching skills.
• Strengthen reflective practice and professional self awareness.
• Improve problem solving and decision making capabilities.
• Develop emotional intelligence.
• Share professional experience and support another woman's development.
• Participate in an ongoing learning and exchange community.
Additional programme features
• Free participation for selected mentors and mentees.
• Online delivery that accommodates participants in different locations.
• Regular mentoring conversations every four to six weeks.
• An initial briefing and scheduled support sessions.
• Midway and final opportunities to reflect on progress.
• A wider professional learning environment that encourages continued development.
The programme is a mentoring opportunity rather than a scholarship or paid fellowship. Applicants should therefore apply for its professional development, relationship building and leadership learning opportunities rather than expecting a financial award.
The programme accepts applications from women interested in participating as either mentees or mentors. Applicants should select the role that best matches their experience and professional objectives.
Mentee applicants
• Be a current or emerging leader in the humanitarian, development or social impact sectors.
• Have professional ambitions, leadership challenges or development goals that can benefit from mentoring.
• Be willing to take responsibility for setting the mentoring agenda and identifying topics for discussion.
• Be prepared to participate in regular online mentoring conversations and programme activities.
• Be able to maintain professional contact with a mentoring partner throughout the programme.
• Be willing to complete the required interim and final evaluation questionnaires.
Priority is given to leaders based in the Global South, including women working in resource constrained or crisis affected environments.
Mentor applicants
• Be an experienced woman leader or manager in the humanitarian, development or social impact sectors.
• Have an interest in supporting other women's professional and leadership development.
• Be willing to provide a supportive environment for reflection, learning and problem solving.
• Be prepared to attend the required briefing and maintain regular mentoring contact.
• Be willing to participate in the programme's learning and exchange activities.
Knowledge of more than one language can be helpful for mentors. English, French, Arabic and Spanish are particularly relevant, although bilingual ability is not a requirement.
The published eligibility information does not specify a universal age limit or academic qualification requirement. Applicants should consult the official application form for any additional information relevant to their chosen role.
Applicants should prepare thoughtful and accurate responses to the programme's application questions. The information is used to help organisers identify suitable mentoring partnerships.
The application requests information including:
• Name and contact details.
• Current organisation and professional role.
• Country of residence and time zone.
• Whether applying as a mentor or a mentee.
• Previous experience participating in a mentoring programme.
• Time spent in the current role and overall sector experience.
• Professional background and circumstances relevant to mentoring.
• Development objectives, ambitions and expectations for the programme.
• Confirmation of availability for the required programme activities.
Applicants should also be prepared to confirm their commitment to attending an online briefing, arranging mentoring conversations every four to six weeks, participating in midway and final support activities, completing evaluation questionnaires and maintaining professional contact with their mentoring partner.
Applicants seeking to participate as both a mentor and a mentee must submit separate applications for each role.
The organisers use the information provided in applications to identify appropriate mentoring partnerships. The goal is to match participants in a way that supports relevant learning, professional development and productive working relationships.
Applicants should clearly explain their professional circumstances, goals and expectations. Mentees should identify the issues they would like to explore and the areas in which guidance would be useful. Mentors should describe their professional experience and interest in supporting other women.
The organisers specifically encourage applicants to write their responses in their own words. Applications should reflect the applicant's genuine experiences, ambitions and motivations rather than copied material or responses generated by artificial intelligence.
Applicants should also consider their availability carefully before applying, as the programme requires consistent participation over several months.
Global Women Connect
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