The EU-LAC Foundation has officially launched the EU-LAC Birregional School of Local Political Leadership for Women 2026, a high-impact leadership development programme designed to strengthen women’s political participation, advocacy skills, and leadership capacity at the local level across Latin America, the Caribbean, and the European Union.
This initiative is a strategic space for training, exchange, and networking, bringing together women leaders from different political, community, and social backgrounds. The programme is built on a feminist, intersectional, and human rights-based approach, aiming to empower women to lead democratic, inclusive, and transformative change within their communities.
The School combines virtual preparatory sessions with a face-to-face intensive training in Panama, ensuring both accessibility and meaningful intercultural exchange among participants.
Objective of the EU-LAC Women’s Political Leadership School
The main goal of the programme is to strengthen the capacity of women engaged in territorial and local leadership by providing:
- Advanced training in political leadership and governance
- Practical tools for communication, negotiation, and public management
- Opportunities for intergenerational mentoring
- Strong birregional networking between Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean
- A platform for sharing lived experiences and community-based leadership strategies
Through this initiative, the EU-LAC Foundation aims to reinforce women’s leadership in democratic governance and civic participation at the local level.
Format of the Leadership School
The programme follows a blended learning structure, combining digital and in-person components:
- Virtual Preparatory Phase
- Online training modules before the in-person session
- Introduction to leadership concepts, tools, and frameworks
- Networking and group discussions across regions
- In-Person Intensive Session
- Held in Panama (October 2026)
- High-level training workshops
- Interactive leadership sessions
- Cross-regional experience sharing
- Networking with women leaders from EU-LAC regions
- Follow-Up Activities
- Continued engagement through networks
- Participation in the EU-LAC WIN Network
- Knowledge sharing and leadership development continuation
Profile of Applicants
The programme is designed for two main categories of women leaders:
- Young Women Leaders
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Membership in a network, organisation, programme, or institution
- Interest in territorial political leadership (formal or informal)
- Engagement in civic participation, feminist groups, or community initiatives
- Motivation to strengthen leadership skills and collaborate with women across regions
- Interest in EU-LAC relations, gender equality, or local development
- Willingness to join or engage with the EU-LAC WIN Network
- Senior Women Leaders
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Strong and consolidated leadership experience in political or community spaces
- Proven impact in local governance, municipalities, councils, or civil society initiatives
- Membership in a recognised institution, network, or organisation
- Capacity to mentor and support younger women leaders
- Commitment to feminist and intersectional leadership principles
- Active contribution to community transformation and policy influence
Required Application Documents
All applications must be submitted in English or Spanish and include:
- Signed application form
- Proof of membership in a network, organisation, or institution
- Letter of endorsement or support from a relevant institution or organisation
Submission Format
- PDF or MS Word format only
- Incomplete or late applications will not be considered
Key Benefits of the Programme
Selected participants will gain access to a wide range of professional and personal development opportunities, including:
- High-level leadership training in political and civic engagement
- Strengthening negotiation, communication, and governance skills
- Participation in a birregional leadership network
- Exposure to feminist and intersectional leadership frameworks
- Opportunities for mentorship and intergenerational learning
- Exchange of experiences across Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean
- Capacity building in local governance and advocacy
Financial Support (Scholarships)
For selected participants who cannot self-finance their participation, the EU-LAC Foundation will provide:
- International travel coverage
- Hotel accommodation
- Local transport in Panama
- Daily stipend for meals and subsistence during the in-person phase
Application Deadline
Friday, 24 July 2026 (23:59 CEST – Germany time)
Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted by email to:
- Email: eulacwin@eulacfoundation.org
- Attention: Dr Anna Barrera
- Subject Line: EU-LAC Women’s Political Leadership School 2026 + Applicant’s Name
Selection Process & Communication
- Applications will be reviewed by an internal selection committee
- Evaluation period: approximately 3 weeks after the deadline
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted via email
- Applicants are advised not to send repeated inquiries during the review period
- All official updates will be communicated electronically
Final Overview
The EU-LAC Women’s Political Leadership School 2026 is a unique opportunity for women leaders to build transformative leadership skills, strengthen democratic participation, and join a powerful international network committed to gender equality and social change.
By combining training, mentorship, and intercultural dialogue, the programme empowers women to become stronger voices in local governance and community transformation.
Applications should be sent to the attention of Dr Anna Barrera (EU-LAC Foundation).
Email: eulacwin@eulacfoundation.org
Subject line: EU-LAC Women’s Political Leadership School 2026 + Applicant’s Name
Learn More
- For more information about this opportunity, Click here
- More global short courses opportunities for youth, visit the OFY website: Click here
