AAI 2026 Applications Open: Join the ARROW–AMwA Feminist Advocacy Institute (Fully Funded)

The ARROW – AMwA Advocacy Institute 2026 (AAI 2026) is now accepting applications from young feminist leaders across the Global South. This dynamic program is designed to equip the next generation of advocates with the knowledge, tools, and networks needed to drive transformative change in their communities and beyond.

Organized by the Asian-Pacific Resource and Research Centre for Women and Akina Mama wa Afrika, the institute builds on years of impactful initiatives supporting feminist leadership, advocacy, and movement-building across Africa, Asia, and the Pacific.

About the Advocacy Institute

The ARROW – AMwA Advocacy Institute (AAI) aims to strengthen Global South solidarity and empower young women to lead advocacy efforts on critical social justice issues. The program focuses on:

• Building feminist leadership rooted in local and national realities
• Strengthening cross-regional collaboration
• Responding to rising anti-rights and anti-gender movements
• Advancing inclusive and intersectional advocacy

In 2026, the institute will bring together 150 young women from diverse backgrounds to participate in a structured learning and advocacy journey.

Program Objectives

AAI 2026 seeks to:

• Enhance participants’ capacity in advocacy and leadership
• Foster intergenerational and cross-movement collaboration
• Support national-level advocacy initiatives
• Build a strong network of feminist leaders across regions

Thematic Focus Areas

Participants will engage with key global issues, including:

• Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)
• Reproductive Justice and Bodily Autonomy
• Gender Equality
• Economic Justice and Human Rights Financing
• Climate Justice
• Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Trade, Security, and Global Systems
• Political Equality and resistance to anti-democratic movements

Program Structure

1. Capacity Strengthening Webinars

• A 7-week virtual learning phase
• Includes:
  • 6 thematic webinars
  • 1 orientation session
  • Weekly office hours
  • 3 regional caucuses
• Dates: 29 May – 10 July 2026

2. South2South Feminist Fellowship

• Top participants advance to a fellowship phase
• 50 fellows selected
• Receive:
  • Technical support for advocacy projects
  • A small fellowship grant
  • Opportunity to implement national advocacy plans

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be 18–35 years old (born on or after July 1, 1992)
• Have at least 2 years of experience in:
  • Human rights
  • Gender equality
  • SRHR advocacy
• Be affiliated with an organization aligned with feminist and gender equality values
• Demonstrate strong commitment to feminist principles
• Be a national and resident of an eligible country in Africa, Asia, or the Pacific

Why You Should Apply

The AAI 2026 offers a unique opportunity to:

• Join a global network of feminist leaders
• Gain practical advocacy skills
• Engage in cross-regional collaboration
• Access mentorship and funding opportunities
• Contribute to meaningful social and political change

The ARROW – AMwA Advocacy Institute 2026 is more than a training program—it is a platform for shaping the future of feminist advocacy across the Global South. If you are passionate about advancing gender equality and driving systemic change, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Eligible Countries

Africa

Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Zambia, Benin, Senegal, Ghana, Morocco, Burkina Faso, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Niger, Togo

Asia

• Southeast Asia: Cambodia, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Laos, Vietnam
• South Asia: Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Maldives
• Central Asia: Mongolia
• East Asia: China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea
• West Asia: UAE, Qatar

Pacific

Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Cook Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

Informational Session

Applicants are encouraged to attend a virtual information session to strengthen their applications:

• Date: 20 April 2026
• Time: 6:30 PM (Malaysian Time)
• Platform: Zoom

Application Details

• Deadline: 28 April 2026 (11:59 PM ET)
• Language: English (French interpretation available)
• Accessibility: Sign-language interpretation available upon request

Applicants can also access:

• Concept Note
• Application Guidance Documents

APPLY NOW.

Apply before 28 April 2026 and become part of a transformative movement.