A Vital Voices signature fellowship, VVEngage supports extraordinary female political leaders who shape and influence global policy. With the help of this fully supported fellowship, we hope to change the culture around women’s public leadership and advance worldwide equality in public representation. We also hope to strengthen the capability, decision-making ability, and effectiveness of women leaders in politics and government. By furthering the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) via policy, we also want to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable world.
By conducting online and in-person* trainings with authorities like women leaders from the Vital Voices Global Network and academics from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, Vital Voices advances women’s political leadership and the SDGs through this fellowship. Additionally, the fellowship links members to a worldwide network of peers and mentors, such as current and former female heads of state with the Council of Women World Leaders, with whom they can brainstorm and share challenges and best practices.
Benefits:
By the end of the fellowship, fellows will:
- Hone their public leadership skills to be even more effective leaders
- Broaden their capacity, confidence, and ability to engage on diverse issues
- Build powerful professional relationships and collaborations with women public leaders across the globe
- Make progress towards achieving their personal and professional goals
- Inspire and teach others about the importance of women’s leadership in public life
- All fellow travel, meals and accommodation costs for the in-person gatherings will be covered in full by VVEngage.
Eligibility:
All applicants must fall into one of these categories:
- Appointed or elected government official at the local, state/regional, national, or international level
- Political party leader or functionary
- Leader of civil society organization whose primary function involves working directly with government or working to get more women in politics/public life
- Political Activist
- Politically-active community leader from marginalized and excluded community that remains on the periphery of political activity in her country
- Media professional
In addition, all applicants must fit all of the following criteria:
- A minimum of three years in elected or appointed office, as the key decision-maker for a civil society organization, or in related political leadership work
- Proficient in English
- Demonstrate a commitment to the core principles of the “Vital Voices Leadership Model” – Innovative, collaborative, and driven by a clear sense of mission; engaged in her community; committed to working with different political ideologies; committed to advancing the status of women and girls; committed to transparency and good governance
- Demonstrated leadership ability, high potential for future leadership development
- Desire to engage with a global network of women in public life
- At minimum, a basic understanding of the policy-making process in your community
- An online application form is to be submitted.
- In this application, the applicant will have the opportunity to share information about their work and background that demonstrate your suitability for the fellowship. After completing this application, finalists may be contacted for additional information.
