Indigenous Women’s Program Fellowship 2027 – Cohort V

Applications are now open for the Indigenous Women’s Program Fellowship 2027 – Cohort V. The year-long fellowship supports emerging Indigenous women leaders who are implementing innovative initiatives that promote gender equality, strengthen community well-being, and advance the recognition of Indigenous land and resource rights.

The fellowship is organized by Land is Life through its Indigenous Women’s Program. It combines financial support, mentorship, leadership development, and technical assistance to help participants implement community-led projects that create lasting impact. Since the programme began, fellows have successfully developed and delivered projects that empower Indigenous communities while promoting the rights of Indigenous women and girls.

About the Fellowship

The Indigenous Women’s Program was established by Land is Life to strengthen the leadership and participation of Indigenous women in protecting their communities, territories, and natural resources. Designed and led by Indigenous women, the programme supports organizations and community leaders across several regions of the world through funding, capacity building, advocacy, and networking opportunities.

The fellowship focuses on nurturing the next generation of Indigenous women leaders by equipping them with practical skills, financial resources, and professional guidance to design and implement community-based initiatives. Fellows also gain opportunities to engage in national and international advocacy spaces that promote Indigenous Peoples' rights.

Fellowship Benefits

Successful applicants will receive:

• A stipend of USD 3,600 to support participation throughout the fellowship.
• Up to USD 3,000 in funding and technical support to implement a community-level project.
• Personalized mentorship from experienced Indigenous women leaders.
• Leadership development and capacity-building opportunities.
• Bi-monthly virtual training sessions on Indigenous Peoples' rights and related topics.
• Networking opportunities with Indigenous organizations and global partners.
• Advocacy support to participate in national and international decision-making processes.
• Opportunities to exchange knowledge and experiences with other fellows worldwide.

Fellowship Themes

Community project proposals should align with one or more of the following themes:

• Climate change and environmental justice.
• Land rights and territorial defense.
• Food sovereignty and sustainable livelihoods.
• Health and well-being.
• Economic empowerment and livelihood strengthening.
• Governance and traditional leadership systems.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be Indigenous women between 18 and 35 years of age.
• Be fluent in English, French, or Spanish.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing Indigenous Peoples' rights and gender equality.
• Submit a community project proposal aligned with the fellowship themes.
• Not have previously participated as a Land is Life Fellow.

Priority will be given to:

• Indigenous women who do not hold a Master's or doctoral degree.
• Applicants from countries that have not previously been represented in the fellowship programme.

Fellowship Commitments

Selected fellows are expected to:

• Design and implement a community project within 10 months.
• Promote and protect the rights of Indigenous Peoples, particularly Indigenous women and girls.
• Participate actively in all virtual training sessions, mentoring activities, and peer-learning events throughout the fellowship.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare:

• A completed online application form.
• A community project proposal.
• A letter of recommendation from an Indigenous Peoples organization, community leader, representative from the applicant's territory, or another recognized authority.

Applicants with limited internet access may request the application questions by email and submit their completed responses electronically.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Leadership potential.
• Commitment to Indigenous Peoples' rights.
• Quality and feasibility of the proposed community project.
• Alignment with the programme's priority themes.
• Potential impact on Indigenous women and their communities.
• Overall strength and completeness of the application.

How to Apply

To apply for the fellowship:

1. Complete the online application form.
2. Develop a community project proposal that supports the rights of Indigenous Peoples, particularly Indigenous women and girls.
3. Obtain a recommendation letter from an eligible Indigenous organization or community representative.
4. Submit all required documents before the application deadline.

Applicants should apply before the deadline.