VV Engage is a signature fellowship from Vital Voices Global Partnership supporting women who hold public-leadership and policy-shaping roles around the world. Over 10 months, fellows sharpen their leadership, strategic communication, political strategy, and governance skills through virtual coursework and in-person convenings. Training draws on faculty from Harvard Kennedy School and the Council of Women World Leaders, and the program advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality. The 2026 cohort brought together roughly two dozen fellows — ministers, parliamentarians, mayors, diplomats, and civil-society leaders — from more than 26 countries.
Benefits & funding
- Fully funded 10-month fellowship, at no cost to participants.
- Leadership curriculum spanning strategic communications, political strategy, and governance, including the Vital Voices Leadership Journey virtual course.
- Instruction and mentorship informed by Harvard Kennedy School faculty and the Council of Women World Leaders.
- Access to the Vital Voices network of 49,000+ women leaders and an alumni community of 190+ past fellows.
- Ongoing virtual programming and peer connection after the fellowship year.
Eligibility
- Women public leaders working in government, politics, civic institutions, or public policy.
- At least 3 years in a leadership or decision-making role in public office, government, or policy.
- Commitment to the Vital Voices Leadership Model: mission-driven, collaborative, community-engaged, and committed to advancing women and girls and to transparent, good governance.
- Open to applicants worldwide; the 2026 cohort spanned more than 26 countries.
Can you apply?
Worth a closer look
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Experience required
≥ 3 yrs
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Gender requirement
Female
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We only check the criteria we have data for. Always confirm full eligibility on the official page before applying.
Application process
- 1Complete the online application form, hosted by Vital Voices, during the annual application window.
- 2Provide details on your public-leadership role, experience, and mission.
- 3Shortlisted candidates are invited to a roughly 30-minute virtual interview.
- 4Selected fellows are notified and confirm full participation for the fellowship year.
Program timeline
May 22, 2026
Application deadline (2026 cycle, now closed)
Fellowship year begins
June 2026
Fellowship year concludes
March 2027
Applications for the next cycle expected to reopen
Spring 2027