The ITU Gender Champions Programme recognises young women who use technology to advance digital inclusion and gender equality. It is run by the International Telecommunication Union, with support from Australia and Women’s WorldWide Web (W4).
This is the first cohort. Up to four Champions attend the AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva, Switzerland, and join a network of experts, policymakers and innovators.
Benefits & funding
- Round-trip economy flight to Geneva, plus accommodation and a per diem for the summit stay, at amounts ITU sets.
- Possible support for a community project on women’s and girls’ digital inclusion, only if funds allow; not guaranteed.
- Any other costs (such as insurance) and visas are the Champion’s own responsibility.
- Attending the summit is required.
Eligibility
- Women aged 18–25 on the day they submit the form.
- Nationals of specific countries in five ITU regions: Africa, the Americas, Arab States, Asia and the Pacific, and the Commonwealth of Independent States. ITU publishes no country list; ask genderchampions@itu.int if unsure.
- Using digital technology to advance inclusive development (digital skills, connectivity, online safety, AI for social good, inclusive policy).
- Not related to a selection-committee member; no family member (to the third degree) employed by ITU.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
“The programme is open to women aged 18–25 who are nationals of specific countries from the following ITU Regions : Africa, Americas, Arab States, Asia and the Pacific and Commonwealth of Independent States who are using digital technology to advance inclusive development.” Eligibility
Gender requirement
Female
Age requirement
18–25 yrs
Circlebreaker is a free database of global fellowships, scholarships and programs — every one decoded like this.
We only check the criteria we have data for. Always confirm full eligibility on the official page before applying.
Application process
- 1Read the Programme Terms and Conditions.
- 2Complete the online form in English by 15 November 2026, 11:59 pm CET; entries not in English are disqualified, and details are verified.
- 3ITU and partners review applications; only pre-selected candidates are contacted.
- 4A committee from ITU, the Australian Government and W4 picks the cohort, announced on 8 March 2027.
Program timeline
Applications close (11:59 pm CET)
15 Nov 2026
Review and selection
16 Nov 2026 – 7 Mar 2027
Cohort announced
8 Mar 2027
AI for Good Global Summit, Geneva
21–25 Jun 2027