AAI 2026: Fully Funded Advocacy Institute for Young Feminist Leaders – Apply Now
Are you a young feminist leader ready to make real change? The ARROW-AMwA Advocacy Institute 2026, or AAI 2026, has opened applications for fully funded spots. This program gathers 150 women from Africa, Asia, and the Pacific to build skills in advocacy and leadership.
About the Advocacy Institute
The AAI 2026 comes from two groups: the Asian-Pacific Resource and Research Centre for Women (ARROW) and Akina Mama wa Afrika (AMwA). It helps young women fight for social justice in their home countries and across regions. The focus stays on local needs while linking people from different places. Past programs have trained leaders to push back against threats to rights and gender equality.
Program Objectives
AAI 2026 wants to grow skills in advocacy and leadership for its participants. It brings together people from different ages and movements to work as a team. Fellows get help to start projects in their own countries. The goal is a strong network of leaders who can team up across borders.
Thematic Focus Areas
The program covers big issues that affect women and communities today. Key topics include sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), reproductive justice, and bodily autonomy. It also looks at gender equality, economic justice, climate justice, and how digital tools like AI play a role. Other areas are trade, security, global systems, political equality, and fighting anti-democratic trends.
Program Structure
AAI 2026 has two main parts to help participants learn and act.
Capacity Strengthening Webinars
This starts with a seven-week online phase from May 29 to July 10, 2026. It includes six webinars on key topics, one orientation session, weekly office hours, and three regional group meetings. Everyone joins these virtual events to build basic skills.
South2South Feminist Fellowship
The best participants move to this next step. Organizers pick 50 fellows from the group. These fellows get technical help for their projects, a small grant, and support to run national advocacy plans.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, you must meet these rules. You need to be 18 to 35 years old, born on or after July 1, 1992. You should have at least two years working in human rights, gender equality, or SRHR advocacy. Join from an organization that supports feminist values. Show strong commitment to these ideas. You must live in and come from an eligible country in Africa, Asia, or the Pacific.
Why You Should Apply
AAI 2026 gives you a spot in a global network of leaders. You learn real skills for advocacy and work with others from your region. Mentors guide you, and top picks get funding for projects. This program lets you help drive change in gender equality and justice issues.
Eligible Countries
Check if your country qualifies. The list covers many places in the Global South.
Africa
Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Zambia, Benin, Senegal, Ghana, Morocco, Burkina Faso, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Niger, Togo.
Asia
Southeast Asia: Cambodia, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Laos, Vietnam.
South Asia: Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Maldives.
Central Asia: Mongolia.
East Asia: China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea.
West Asia: UAE, Qatar.
Pacific
Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Cook Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.
Informational Session
Join a free Zoom session to learn more and improve your application. It happens on April 20, 2026, at 6:30 PM Malaysian Time.
Application Details
The deadline is April 28, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET. Apply in English, with French interpretation if needed. Ask for sign-language help if you require it. Find the concept note and guides on the site. Apply now to join this movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ARROW-AMwA Advocacy Institute 2026?
AAI 2026 is a program by ARROW and AMwA that trains 150 young women from Africa, Asia, and the Pacific in advocacy and leadership skills to promote social justice and gender equality.
Who can apply for AAI 2026?
You must be 18-35 years old, have at least two years of experience in human rights, gender equality, or SRHR advocacy, and live in an eligible country in Africa, Asia, or the Pacific.
What is the application deadline for AAI 2026?
Applications close on April 28, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET.
What does the program include?
It starts with seven weeks of online webinars and meetings, followed by a fellowship for 50 selected participants with technical support, grants, and help for national advocacy projects.