Applications are now open for the ITU Gender Champions Programme 2027, a global leadership opportunity for young women who are using technology and digital innovation to create meaningful change in their communities, countries, and regions.

Organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) with support from Australia and Women’s WorldWide Web (W4), the programme is designed to recognize and strengthen the next generation of women leaders advancing digital transformation, digital inclusion, equitable access to technology, digital skills, artificial intelligence for social good, online safety, and inclusive digital policymaking.

For its inaugural cohort, the ITU Gender Champions Programme will select up to four outstanding young women between the ages of 18 and 25.

Selected Champions will have the opportunity to join an international network of experts, policymakers, innovators, and fellow changemakers, while also participating in the AI for Good Global Summit 2027 in Geneva, Switzerland, from 21 to 25 June 2027. ITU

Importantly, ITU will cover key costs associated with the Champions’ participation in Geneva, including a round-trip economy flight, accommodation, and a per diem subsistence allowance. Subject to the availability of funds, selected Champions may also receive additional support to implement or strengthen a community-level project advancing the digital inclusion, access, skills, or empowerment of women and girls.

The application deadline is 15 November 2026.

About the ITU Gender Champions Programme

The ITU Gender Champions Programme has been established to identify and support emerging young women leaders who are helping shape a more inclusive and equitable digital future.

The initiative recognizes that technology is transforming almost every aspect of modern life—from education and employment to health, entrepreneurship, governance, communications, and social participation. However, access to digital opportunities remains unequal, and women and girls continue to face barriers to participation in technology and digital decision-making.

The programme seeks to elevate young women who are already responding to these challenges.

Applicants may be working in fields such as:

• Digital skills and digital literacy
• Connectivity and internet access
• Artificial intelligence
• Digital innovation
• Online safety and cybersecurity awareness
• Women and girls in STEM
• Digital entrepreneurship
• Digital health
• Inclusive technology
• Technology for education
• Digital public policy
• ICT access
• Community technology initiatives
• Technology for social good
• Digital rights
• Women’s digital empowerment

ITU specifically encourages applications from young women who are using technology to create positive social impact and advance digital inclusion.

Who Organizes the Programme?

The programme is organized by the International Telecommunication Union, a United Nations specialized agency focused on digital technologies and global connectivity.

ITU brings together 194 national governments and more than 1,000 companies and organizations in its work to advance global connectivity and digital development.

The 2027 Gender Champions Programme is being implemented with support from:

• Australia
• Women’s WorldWide Web (W4)

These partners will also participate in the programme’s selection process.

How Many ITU Gender Champions Will Be Selected?

For the first cohort of the new ITU Gender Champions Programme, up to four young women will be selected.

This makes the programme highly competitive.

Rather than creating a very large cohort, ITU intends to identify a small number of emerging women leaders whose existing work demonstrates meaningful potential to advance digital transformation and inclusion. ITU

Age Requirement

Applicants must be:

At least 18 years old and no more than 25 years old at the time the application is submitted.

This requirement is explicitly included in the official Terms and Conditions.

Applicants outside this age range would therefore not satisfy the published eligibility condition.

What Type of Young Women Is ITU Looking For?

ITU is looking for young women who are already demonstrating leadership through technology.

Potential applicants may include young women who are:

• Teaching digital skills to women or girls
• Expanding access to connectivity
• Developing digital platforms or applications
• Using artificial intelligence to address social problems
• Promoting responsible AI
• Building technology-based businesses or social enterprises
• Improving digital access in underserved communities
• Supporting girls in STEM
• Addressing online abuse or digital safety
• Promoting cybersecurity awareness
• Using technology in health, education, agriculture, climate, or development
• Advocating for inclusive digital policies
• Using data or technology to strengthen public services
• Supporting women entrepreneurs through digital tools
• Helping marginalized communities participate in the digital economy

The central requirement is not simply an interest in technology. The programme is intended for young women who are using technology to create positive change.

Is a University Degree Required?

No specific degree requirement is stated.

The official programme page and Terms and Conditions do not require applicants to hold:

• A bachelor’s degree
• A master’s degree
• A PhD
• A qualification in computer science
• An engineering degree
• A formal ICT qualification

This means applicants should not assume that the programme is restricted to university graduates or professional technologists.

A young woman may potentially be competitive because of practical leadership, community impact, innovation, entrepreneurship, advocacy, or technology-based project experience even if she does not have a formal technology degree.

The decisive issue is whether her work aligns with the purpose of the programme.

Do Applicants Need to Be Computer Scientists?

No.

The programme is broader than software development or computer science.

ITU explicitly mentions several forms of digital leadership, including:

• Digital skills
• Connectivity
• Innovative solutions
• Online safety
• AI for social good
• Inclusive digital policy

Accordingly, applicants may come from technology, policy, education, health, entrepreneurship, development, advocacy, research, communications, or other relevant backgrounds.

Global Eligibility

The published call does not restrict applicants to a particular nationality or region.

The programme describes itself as connecting young women to a global network, and ITU states that final selection will consider geographical representation alongside diversity of backgrounds and experiences. ITU

That means eligible young women can potentially apply from countries across:

• Africa
• Asia
• Europe
• North America
• Latin America
• The Caribbean
• Oceania
• The Middle East

Applicants should still ensure that they can ultimately obtain the necessary documentation to travel to Switzerland if selected.

What Will Selected Gender Champions Receive?

The programme provides several important opportunities.

1. Participation in the AI for Good Global Summit 2027

Selected ITU Gender Champions will be required to attend the AI for Good Global Summit 2027 in Geneva, Switzerland.

The event is scheduled for:

21–25 June 2027

Participation places the selected Champions within a major international environment involving technology leaders, policymakers, innovators, researchers, and other actors working on artificial intelligence and digital transformation.

2. Round-Trip Economy Airfare

ITU states in the official Terms and Conditions that selected Champions will receive:

A round-trip economy-class flight ticket to and from the event location.

This significantly reduces the financial barrier for international participants traveling to Geneva.

3. Accommodation in Geneva

Accommodation during the relevant stay will also be provided by the organizer.

The precise accommodation arrangement is determined by ITU.

4. Per Diem Subsistence Allowance

Selected participants will receive a per diem subsistence allowance for the duration of the stay.

The exact amount is determined by ITU.

This allowance is intended to support reasonable subsistence expenses associated with participation.

5. Access to International Networks

Beyond travel and accommodation, one of the programme’s major advantages is access to a global network involving:

• Experts
• Policymakers
• Innovators
• Technology leaders
• Gender-equality advocates
• Digital-development professionals
• Fellow young changemakers

The programme is designed to help young leaders amplify their impact and strengthen their leadership capacity.

6. International Visibility

The ITU Gender Champions Programme also provides visibility for the work of selected participants.

ITU may create and publish content connected with the Champions’ participation, including:

• Blog posts
• Photographs
• Videos
• Social media content

Under the programme Terms and Conditions, participants authorize ITU to use their name, likeness, video, or photograph in connection with the programme without additional remuneration.

For emerging leaders, this can provide valuable international exposure to their projects and advocacy.

7. Potential Support for a Community Project

One particularly valuable feature of the 2027 programme is the possibility of support for selected Champions’ community-level projects.

Subject to sufficient funding, ITU Gender Champions may receive support to implement or strengthen a project advancing women’s and girls’ digital inclusion, access, skills, or empowerment.

This could potentially include initiatives addressing areas such as:

• Girls’ digital-skills training
• Women’s connectivity
• Digital entrepreneurship
• STEM participation
• AI literacy
• Digital safety
• ICT education
• Online empowerment
• Technology access
• Community innovation

However, applicants should understand an important distinction.

This project support is not guaranteed.

The Terms and Conditions explicitly state that any such funding is subject to availability and remains at the organizer’s discretion. It does not constitute an automatic benefit for every selected Gender Champion.

How Project Funding Would Be Managed

Where project support is awarded, funds must be used exclusively for the approved purpose.

Recipients would need to manage, document, and account for the funding in accordance with ITU rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and any programme-specific conditions communicated by the organization.

This means the project-support component should be viewed as structured programme funding rather than unrestricted personal financial support.

What Expenses Are Not Necessarily Covered?

The official Terms and Conditions make clear that selected Champions remain responsible for costs not specifically covered by the programme.

This may include:

• Additional travel expenses
• Accommodation outside the covered period
• Insurance expenses not specifically provided
• Other personal or incidental expenses outside the programme package

Applicants should therefore not describe the opportunity as an unlimited all-expenses-paid programme.

The confirmed package is:

• Round-trip economy airfare
• Accommodation for the relevant stay
• Per diem subsistence allowance

Other expenses remain the participant’s responsibility unless ITU confirms otherwise.

Visa and Travel Requirements

Selected Gender Champions are responsible for meeting all necessary visa requirements and ensuring that they possess the appropriate travel documentation before travelling to Switzerland.

This is an important condition for applicants from countries whose citizens require a Swiss or Schengen visa.

Selection by ITU does not itself replace immigration procedures.

Applicants should therefore ensure that their passport and other travel documentation can be prepared in time if they are selected.

Language Requirement

Applications and submissions must be made in English.

The Terms and Conditions state that submissions that are not in English may be disqualified.

Applicants should therefore ensure that all application answers are clear, accurate, and submitted in English.

Restrictions Relating to ITU Employees and Selection Committee Members

Applicants must confirm that they are not related to members of the programme’s selection committee.

Additionally, neither the applicant nor members of her family up to the third degree may be employed by the organizer.

ITU reserves the right to verify applicant eligibility and the accuracy of submitted information.

Accuracy of Application Information

Applicants are required to ensure that all information submitted is:

• True
• Complete
• Up to date

False or misleading information can result in disqualification.

Candidates should therefore avoid exaggerating project results or providing unsupported claims regarding achievements.

Intellectual Property and Submission Rules

Programme submissions must not violate third-party intellectual-property rights.

Applications or submitted materials must also not:

• Violate applicable national or international law
• Promote hatred
• Defame others
• Harass or threaten individuals or groups
• Encourage violence or conflict
• Violate privacy or publicity rights
• Breach terms governing social-media or digital platforms

Applicants should make sure that photographs, videos, project materials, or other content they submit are either their own or appropriately authorized for use.

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by ITU and the programme partners.

The official Terms and Conditions state that the selection committee consists of:

• Two representatives of ITU
• One representative of the Australian Government
• One representative of Women’s WorldWide Web

Applicants will be assessed against the programme’s eligibility and selection criteria.

Because ITU expects a substantial number of applications, only pre-selected candidates will be contacted.

Diversity in Final Selection

ITU states that the final cohort will be chosen with consideration for:

• Diversity of backgrounds
• Diversity of experiences
• Geographical representation

Candidates should therefore explain not only what they have achieved but also the perspective and context they would bring to an international cohort.

Key Dates and Timeline

The official indicative timeline is:

Applications Open:
21 September 2026

Applications Close:
15 November 2026

Review and Selection:
16 November 2026 – 7 March 2027

Cohort Announcement:
8 March 2027

AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva:
21–25 June 2027

Applicants should note that the final selection process will therefore take several months.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the official online application form linked by ITU.

Candidates should first carefully read both:

1. The ITU Gender Champions Programme webpage.
2. The official Terms and Conditions.

They can then complete the online application.

Apply for the ITU Gender Champions Programme 2027

Applicants should submit well before 15 November 2026 rather than waiting until the closing hours.

How to Prepare a Strong Application

Because only four Champions may be selected, applicants should develop highly specific applications.

Rather than making broad claims such as “I am passionate about technology and women’s empowerment,” candidates should demonstrate evidence.

A strong application should explain:

The problem

Describe a concrete digital challenge affecting women or girls.

Examples may include lack of internet connectivity, low digital literacy, lack of access to STEM opportunities, online harassment, gender bias in AI, lack of technology access, or exclusion from digital financial services.

The applicant’s response

Explain what you personally created, led, implemented, or contributed to.

Evidence of impact

Whenever possible, include measurable results such as:

• Number of people trained
• Number of women reached
• Communities covered
• Schools involved
• Applications or platforms developed
• Partnerships formed
• Policies influenced
• Digital resources created

Leadership

Explain how you have mobilized other people, created partnerships, built a team, or helped communities participate.

Future potential

Show how participation in the ITU Gender Champions Programme could help expand or improve your impact.

Good Project Areas for Applicants

Based on ITU’s stated priorities, competitive applicants may be working on areas such as:

Digital Skills for Women and Girls

Initiatives teaching digital literacy, coding, data, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, or other digital competencies.

Connectivity

Projects helping underserved communities gain access to internet connectivity or digital services.

AI for Social Good

Applications of artificial intelligence to problems in education, health, accessibility, climate, social services, or community development.

Online Safety

Projects addressing cyberbullying, technology-facilitated gender-based violence, online harassment, digital privacy, or cybersecurity.

Inclusive Digital Policy

Advocacy or policy work promoting digital rights, gender equality in technology, AI governance, connectivity, or inclusive digital transformation.

Women in STEM

Projects encouraging girls and young women to enter science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and ICT careers.

Why the ITU Gender Champions Programme Matters

The programme comes at a time when digital transformation is accelerating rapidly worldwide.

Artificial intelligence, digital platforms, connectivity, and data-driven systems increasingly influence access to:

• Education
• Employment
• Entrepreneurship
• Healthcare
• Financial services
• Government services
• Information
• Civic participation

Yet unequal access to technology can reinforce existing social and economic inequalities.

ITU’s broader gender-equality work aims to use ICTs to empower people regardless of gender and embed equality across digital-development initiatives and decision-making.

By supporting young women who are already leading digital initiatives, the Gender Champions Programme aims to give emerging leaders a stronger platform from which to shape the future of technology.

Building on ITU’s Previous Gender Champion Initiatives

The new programme builds on previous ITU efforts to elevate young women leaders in technology.

In 2025, ITU selected young women through its ITU160 Gender Champions initiative. Those Champions included innovators working in fields such as:

• Digital health
• Climate resilience
• Online safety
• Geospatial technology
• Robotics
• Data science

The initiative showcased how young women from different countries were already using technology to address important development challenges.

Earlier, ITU also ran the Generation Connect Gender Champions initiative, supporting young women from developing countries and bringing selected Champions into global youth and digital-development forums.

The 2027 programme continues this broader effort while creating a new formal cohort under the ITU Gender Champions Programme.

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply is:

15 November 2026

Applications opened on 21 September 2026.

Applicants should complete the form early and ensure that all information is accurate, complete, and submitted in English.

Cohort Announcement

The selected cohort is scheduled to be announced on:

8 March 2027

The announcement follows a review and selection process running from 16 November 2026 to 7 March 2027.

AI for Good Global Summit Participation

Selected Champions are expected to travel to Geneva for the AI for Good Global Summit 2027 from 21–25 June 2027.

Participation is a programme requirement, not simply an optional benefit.

Candidates should therefore apply only if they expect to be able to travel during this period and can obtain the necessary passport and visa documentation.

Conclusion

The ITU Gender Champions Programme 2027 is a highly competitive international opportunity for young women aged 18 to 25 who are using technology to drive digital inclusion and positive social change.

For the inaugural cohort, ITU will select up to four outstanding young women leaders and connect them with an international community of experts, policymakers, and innovators. ITU

Selected Champions will participate in the AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva from 21–25 June 2027, with ITU providing a round-trip economy ticket, accommodation, and a per diem allowance. ITU

Subject to available funding, Champions may also receive support to develop or strengthen community-level projects advancing women’s and girls’ digital inclusion, access, skills, or empowerment. This additional project funding is discretionary and should not be considered guaranteed. ITU

The programme does not specify a university-degree requirement, nationality restriction, or race-based restriction. Instead, it focuses on young women who can demonstrate real engagement in technology-driven change and the potential to contribute to a more equitable digital future.

Applications close on 15 November 2026, making this an important opportunity for emerging women leaders working in digital innovation, artificial intelligence, connectivity, STEM, digital safety, digital skills, technology policy, and related fields.

Visit the official ITU Gender Champions Programme page

For more global opportunities, click HERE:
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