The Vital Voices Global Partnership has officially opened applications for the highly prestigious VV Engage Fellowship 2026, a fully funded 10-month global leadership programme designed to strengthen the capacity, influence, and effectiveness of women leaders shaping public policy and governance across the world.
Organized in partnership with Freeport-McMoRan, the VV Engage Fellowship supports outstanding women public leaders who are actively driving policy reform, democratic participation, gender equality, and sustainable development in their communities and countries.
The programme seeks to advance women’s public leadership globally while accelerating progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
Through world-class leadership training, networking opportunities, mentorship, and access to a powerful global community of women leaders, the fellowship empowers participants to strengthen their leadership impact and drive meaningful social and political change.
About the VV Engage Fellowship
The VV Engage Fellowship is one of Vital Voices’ signature leadership programmes focused on supporting women in public leadership and policy spaces.
The fellowship is designed to:
- Strengthen women’s political and civic leadership
- Promote bipartisan collaboration
- Increase women’s representation in public life
- Advance gender equality
- Foster inclusive governance
- Build leadership capacity among women changemakers
The programme brings together women leaders from around the world working across:
- Government
- Public policy
- Civil society
- Media
- Community organizing
- Political movements
Main Objectives of the Fellowship
The VV Engage Fellowship aims to:
- Shift global culture around women’s public leadership
- Increase women’s participation in governance and policy
- Strengthen leadership effectiveness
- Promote democratic engagement
- Support women-led policy reform
- Advance progress toward the SDGs
The fellowship also seeks to create long-term networks of women leaders capable of collaborating across political ideologies and geographic regions.
Fellowship Duration
The VV Engage Fellowship runs for:
- 10 months
Programme period:
- June 2026 to March 2027
Participants are expected to actively engage throughout the full fellowship duration.
Fellowship Training and Learning Experience
The programme includes intensive leadership development and training opportunities.
Fellows Will Participate In:
1. Leadership Training
Participants will receive advanced training in:
- Public leadership
- Governance
- Strategic communications
- Political strategy
- Community mobilization
2. Harvard Kennedy School Collaboration
Training will include engagement with:
- Professors from the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS)
This provides fellows with exposure to globally respected expertise in leadership, governance, and policy.
3. Council of Women World Leaders (CWWL)
Participants will also engage with:
- Current and former heads of state
- Senior political leaders
- Influential women policymakers
through the Council of Women World Leaders network.
What Fellows Will Gain
The fellowship offers a wide range of personal, professional, and leadership benefits.
1. Public Leadership Skills
Fellows will strengthen:
- Political strategy skills
- Governance knowledge
- Strategic communication abilities
- Public engagement techniques
- Leadership effectiveness
2. Vital Voices Leadership Journey
Participants will complete:
- The Vital Voices Leadership Journey
This virtual leadership development course is based on over 25 years of experience supporting women leaders globally.
3. Global Networking Opportunities
Fellows gain access to:
- A global network of more than 49,000 women leaders
- International peers and collaborators
- Policymakers and global influencers
4. Alumni Community Access
Participants join:
- The VV Engage Alumni Community
This includes access to:
- Ongoing virtual programming
- Alumni engagement opportunities
- Continued leadership support
5. International Exposure
The fellowship connects participants to:
- Global policy conversations
- International governance discussions
- Cross-cultural leadership experiences
Who Should Apply?
The fellowship is ideal for:
- Women in public office
- Women policymakers
- Political activists
- Civic leaders
- Journalists and media professionals
- Women leading social movements
- Community organizers
- Women advocating for governance reform
- Gender equality advocates
Eligible Leadership Categories
Applicants must fall under at least one of the following categories:
- Elected or appointed official
- Political party leader
- Political activist
- Community leader
- Civil society leader
- Media professional
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must satisfy all programme requirements.
1. Leadership Experience
Applicants must have:
- At least 3 years of leadership or decision-making experience
Relevant sectors include:
- Government
- Public office
- Public policy
- Civic institutions
- Political movements
- Civil society organizations
2. Age Requirement
Applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old by June 2026
3. Commitment to Core Leadership Values
Applicants must demonstrate commitment to:
- Innovation
- Collaboration
- Community engagement
- Gender equality
- Transparency
- Good governance
4. Commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals
Applicants should demonstrate active commitment to:
- Advancing the SDGs
- Social impact leadership
- Inclusive development
Why This Fellowship Matters
Women remain underrepresented in:
- Political leadership
- Public decision-making
- Governance structures
- Policy development
The VV Engage Fellowship directly addresses these gaps by:
- Equipping women leaders with advanced skills
- Expanding women’s access to leadership networks
- Supporting women-led governance reform
- Promoting inclusive public leadership
The fellowship also encourages collaboration across political and ideological divides, helping leaders build more inclusive and effective governance systems.
Why the Fellowship Stands Out
The programme is unique because it combines:
- Fully funded leadership development
- Access to Harvard Kennedy School expertise
- Engagement with global women heads of state
- International networking opportunities
- Long-term alumni support
- SDG-focused leadership training
Fellowship Expectations
Accepted fellows are expected to:
- Fully participate throughout the programme
- Engage actively with trainers and fellows
- Complete programme activities
- Contribute meaningfully to fellowship discussions and collaboration
Selection Process
The VV Engage Fellowship is highly competitive.
Shortlisted Applicants May Be Invited To:
- A 30-minute virtual interview
Final selection decisions will be communicated following the review and interview process.
Application Deadline
Applications for the VV Engage Fellowship 2026 must be submitted by:
22 May 2026 at 11:59 PM EST
Applicants are encouraged to apply early due to the highly competitive nature of the programme.
Please click HERE to submit your application!
About Vital Voices Global Partnership
Vital Voices is a globally recognized organization focused on:
- Women’s leadership
- Gender equality
- Social impact
- Public leadership development
- Global collaboration
The organization has supported thousands of women leaders worldwide through:
- Fellowships
- Leadership training
- Mentorship
- Advocacy initiatives
- Global networking opportunities
Official Contact Information
For additional information about the fellowship, applicants may contact:
For more information about the Vital Voices VV Engage Fellowship 2026, click HERE.
Visit HERE to discover more global Fellowship opportunities on OFY.
