The Vital Voices Global Partnership has officially opened applications for the highly competitive VV Engage Fellowship 2026, a fully funded global leadership programme designed to strengthen women’s participation and influence in public leadership and policy spaces. Supported in partnership with Freeport-McMoRan, the 10-month fellowship aims to empower women leaders working across politics, governance, civic engagement, public policy, media, and social movements. The programme also aligns with the advancement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5: Gender Equality. The fellowship creates a global platform for women leaders to strengthen leadership capacity, build influential networks, and advance inclusive governance and public representation worldwide. What Is the VV Engage Fellowship? The VV Engage Fellowship is a flagship leadership programme created by Vital Voices to support women leaders making decisions and influencing policy at local, national, and global levels. The initiative focuses on: Advancing women’s public leadership Promoting bipartisan collaboration Strengthening democratic participation Encouraging inclusive governance Supporting gender equality in representation Accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals The programme brings together women leaders from diverse political, social, and professional backgrounds to foster collaboration and shared learning. Fully Funded Leadership Development Opportunity The fellowship is fully funded, allowing selected participants to access world-class leadership training and mentorship opportunities without financial barriers. Key Fellowship Benefits Selected fellows will receive: Advanced leadership development training Strategic communications and political strategy coaching Governance and public leadership education Access to global women leadership networks Participation in peer-learning activities Ongoing alumni engagement opportunities The fellowship also provides participants with direct access to experienced political leaders, policymakers, and influential global networks. Training in Partnership with Harvard Kennedy School One of the programme’s standout features is its collaboration with the Harvard Kennedy School and the Council of Women World Leaders. Fellows will participate in specialized training focused on: Political leadership Strategic communications Public governance Policy influence Community mobilization Leadership strategy These sessions are designed to equip women leaders with practical tools needed to navigate complex political and civic environments effectively. Access to a Powerful Global Leadership Network Participants in the VV Engage Fellowship will join one of the world’s largest networks of women leaders. Fellows Gain Access To: The Vital Voices global network of over 49,000 women leaders The VV Engage Alumni Community Continued virtual learning programmes Networking opportunities with current and former heads of state Leadership collaboration across sectors and regions This network creates opportunities for mentorship, partnership-building, and long-term leadership growth. Core Skills Fellows Will Develop By the end of the programme, participants are expected to strengthen several essential public leadership competencies. Areas of Leadership Development Include: Political strategy Governance and public administration Strategic communication Community engagement and mobilization Cross-partisan collaboration Advocacy and policy influence Fellows will also complete the Vital Voices Leadership Journey, a virtual leadership course developed from more than 25 years of experience supporting women leaders globally. Eligibility Requirements for Applicants The fellowship is open to women leaders from around the world who are actively involved in public leadership or civic influence. Applicants Must: Be at least 18 years old by June 2026 Have a minimum of three years of leadership or decision-making experience Demonstrate commitment to advancing gender equality Show dedication to transparency and good governance Support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Be committed to collaboration across political ideologies Eligible Applicant Categories The programme welcomes applications from women serving as: Elected or appointed officials Political party leaders Political activists Community leaders Civil society leaders Media professionals Public policy advocates The fellowship seeks diverse voices from different sectors, backgrounds, and regions. Commitment and Programme Timeline Accepted fellows must commit to active participation throughout the entire programme cycle. Fellowship Duration Programme Start: June 2026 Programme End: March 2027 Participants are expected to fully engage with: Virtual training sessions Leadership workshops Peer-learning activities Networking opportunities Fellowship assignments and discussions Shortlisted candidates may also be invited to participate in a 30-minute virtual interview during the selection process. Application Deadline and Selection Process Applications for the VV Engage Fellowship 2026 must be submitted before: Deadline: May 22, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST The fellowship is highly selective, and successful applicants will be notified after the review and interview stages are completed. Why the VV Engage Fellowship Matters Women remain underrepresented in political leadership and public decision-making spaces globally. Programmes such as the VV Engage Fellowship aim to address these disparities by investing directly in women leaders who are driving social and political change within their communities. The fellowship strengthens the leadership capacity of women working across governance, advocacy, civic engagement, and public service while encouraging inclusive and collaborative approaches to leadership. As societies continue to navigate political polarization, governance challenges, and inequality, initiatives that support women’s leadership are increasingly important for advancing sustainable and equitable development worldwide. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.