Call for Applications: ITU Gender Champions Programme 2027
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has opened applications for the 2027 ITU Gender Champions Programme.
This is an initiative designed to recognise and support young women using digital technology to drive positive change and promote inclusive digital transformation.
The programme is seeking young women aged 18 to 25 who are using technology to create meaningful impact in their communities, countries or regions.
Implemented by the ITU with support from the Government of Australia and Women’s WorldWide Web (W4), the programme aims to strengthen the leadership of emerging women changemakers while connecting them with experts, policymakers and innovators working to shape a more inclusive digital future.
What the programme offers
For its inaugural cohort, the programme will support up to four outstanding young women leaders who are making a difference through digital technology and innovation.
Selected Gender Champions will have the opportunity to participate in the AI for Good Global Summit 2027 in Geneva, Switzerland, scheduled to take place from June 21 to 25, 2027.
Subject to available funding, selected participants may also receive support to implement or strengthen a community-level project focused on advancing women’s and girls’ digital inclusion, access, skills or empowerment.
The programme is particularly interested in young women working in areas such as:
- Digital skills and literacy
- Digital inclusion and connectivity
- Artificial intelligence for social good
- Online safety
- Innovative technology solutions
- Inclusive digital policies
- Women’s and girls’ empowerment through technology
Who can apply?
The opportunity is open to women aged 18 to 25 who are nationals of countries within the ITU’s regions of Africa, the Americas, Arab States, Asia and the Pacific, and the Commonwealth of Independent States.
Applicants should be using digital technology to advance inclusive development and demonstrate meaningful leadership or impact in their communities, countries or regions.
Applications will be assessed based on factors including the applicant’s contribution to gender equality in digital transformation, leadership in addressing the gender digital divide, measurable impact, scalability, originality, innovation and capacity for collaboration.
Application deadline
Applications for the 2027 ITU Gender Champions Programme close on November 15, 2026.
The selection process is scheduled to run from November 16, 2026, to March 7, 2027, with the successful cohort expected to be announced on March 8, 2027.
The selected champions will then participate in the AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva from June 21–25, 2027.
How to apply
Interested applicants should complete the official online application and review the programme’s terms and conditions before submitting their applications.
Application deadline: November 15, 2026
Age requirement: 18–25 years
Target applicants: Young women using digital technology to advance inclusive development
Location: Global
Summit: AI for Good Global Summit 2027, Geneva, Switzerland
Apply through the official ITU Gender Champions Programme page: ITU Gender Champions Programme – Apply Now
The ITU says the programme is part of its broader efforts to strengthen women’s leadership in technology and help ensure that digital transformation creates opportunities that are more inclusive and equitable.
