World YWCA Leadership Cohort 2023 for Young Women – Call for Applications (Fully-funded to Geneva, Switzerland)

The World YWCA Leadership Cohort 2023 Applications Are Now Open(Fully-funded to Geneva). Apply below.

Read this: How to Apply for and Secure an Internship – Especially on an International Playing Field

When is Application Deadline: 25th June 2023

Tell Me About Award: Are you a young woman in the YWCA movement (30 and under) ready to make a lasting impact on gender equality? This is your chance! Applications for the World YWCA Young Women Leadership Cohort 2023 are now open! Gain practical experience, expand your network, and contribute directly to the global community of the World YWCA.

In 2023, as a Cohort Leader, you’ll play a vital role in modernising governance, sustainable decision-making, and coordinating the groundbreaking 30th World Council.

This hybrid programme will combine virtual mentoring and assignments with the possible opportunity to travel to Geneva, Switzerland. Work alongside the World YWCA team and shape the future of our intergenerational movement dedicated to advancing gender equality and championing women’s leadership worldwide.

Type: Fellowship

Who can Apply?

• Successful candidates must be actively involved in their YWCA, either as a volunteer, participant, or staff member and demonstrate strong interest and enthusiasm in the World YWCA movement.

• Generally, applicants should have a minimum of two years active involvement with their YWCA.
• Successful candidates must commit to sharing the experience gained with their YWCA and region following the cohort programme.
• A strong commitment to women’s rights and leadership.
• Previous experience in advocacy and/or activism on women’s rights is an asset.
• A good working knowledge of English, both oral and written, is essential. Spanish and/or French command is a bonus.
• Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years of age at the time of application.
• Independent and self-reliant, willing to take initiative, creative, hard-working, and flexible.
• Each candidate’s participation must be endorsed by a YWCA entity (for example a national or local association) that must commit to integrating the leadership/experience of a successful cohort member upon their return home.
• Participants must guarantee their availability from July 22 to December 22, 2023 included for travel to Geneva, Switzerland. Support for visa application and travel arrangements will be provided by the World YWCA.

Which Countries are Eligible? Any

Where will Award be Taken? Geneva, Switzerland

How Many Awards? 2

What is the Benefit of Award?

• The World YWCA Young Women Leadership Cohort 2023 offers a unique chance for up to two young women from then YWCA movement to gain practical and professional experience within the global community of the World YWCA. It’s an exciting opportunity to actively contribute to the work and outreach of an intergenerational movement that is vigorously tackling issues of gender inequality while supporting and mobilising women’s leadership and advocacy worldwide.
• Selected cohort members will have a chance to develop and sharpen their skills, expand their network, and directly contribute to the World YWCA’s efforts to modernise its governance and engage in sustainable decision-making. As part of the programme, cohort members will be involved in coordinating and preparing for the 30th World Council, which will take place from 27 November to 1 December, 2023. The programme will have a hybrid approach, combining dedicated mentoring and assignments with the use of technology and virtual tools.
• Cohort members will also have the opportunity to travel to Geneva and work alongside the World YWCA team to help organise the first-ever virtual World YWCA Council. In addition to specific responsibilities, cohort members will have exposure for general leadership development, advocacy, and movement building work.

Costs and Provisions

• Travel: Cohort members are required to have a valid passport. The World YWCA will provide assistance by issuing letters of invitation and offering support to facilitate the visa application process for travelling to Switzerland from their home countries. However, it is the responsibility of the cohort member and their YWCA entity to maintain regular communication with the World YWCA and proactively seek information and documentation. This will ensure that necessary actions are taken in a timely manner to obtain a valid visa well in advance of the World YWCA Council.
  • The World YWCA will cover the most economical and direct route airfare for all travels within the programme (roundtrip from their home countries to Geneva). Visa costs will be reimbursed to the cohort members.
• Accommodation and Care: The World YWCA is responsible for the accommodation, basic food and ad-hoc expenses allowance, local transport and health insurance in Geneva and while traveling.
• A stipend will also be provided during the virtual module to cover with potential expenses related to actively engaging in the programme.
• Any additional contributions by YWCA entities to the travel and accommodation costs would be appreciated as funding for this programme must be continuously sought.

How to Apply: To apply, candidates shall provide by email to leadershipcohort@worldywca.org

1. Their CV/Resume in English, French or Spanish (reduced to two pages)
2. Copy of their passport.
3. A signed motivation letter in English demonstrating their interest, commitment and vision for their
   participation to the cohort programme and contributing to the first virtual World YWCA Council.
4. A signed and completed application form in English (see enclosed document).
5. A signed endorsement letter in English, French or Spanish from a YWCA entity (for example national or local association) supporting their application to the cohort programme and their commitment to honouring their role in supporting the candidate’s leadership journey including upon their return home.
   The deadline to apply to the World YWCA Young Women Leadership Cohort 2023 is Sunday 25 June, 2023, 11:59 PM (Geneva time).
   Applicants and their national or local associations will be informed within three weeks after this deadline with a final decision.

Visit Award Webpage for Details