Applications are now open for the Nobel Women’s Initiative Sister-to-Sister Young Feminist Leadership Program 2026. This global leadership program supports emerging feminist leaders working in peacebuilding, digital rights, gender equality, and social justice.
The 2026 cohort will explore an important theme: Peace in the Age of AI: Building Feminist Futures. Participants will examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping democracy, human rights, security, and social movements around the world.
The program is fully virtual and brings together young activists, advocates, and community leaders from different regions. Selected participants will gain access to expert-led training, mentorship opportunities, and a global network of changemakers.
Program Overview
| Program Name | Sister-to-Sister Young Feminist Leadership Program 2026 |
|---|---|
| Organization | Nobel Women’s Initiative (NWI) |
| Program Type | Virtual Leadership Program |
| Theme | Peace in the Age of AI: Building Feminist Futures |
| Duration | 6 Weeks |
| Program Dates | 24 August – 28 September 2026 |
| Number of Participants | 25 |
| Eligibility | International Applicants |
| Application Deadline | 26 June 2026 |
About the Sister-to-Sister Program
For more than a decade, the Nobel Women’s Initiative has supported young leaders working to advance peace, justice, and equality.
The 2026 edition focuses on the growing influence of artificial intelligence. New technologies are changing how information spreads, how conflicts evolve, and how communities engage with public issues.
The program helps participants understand these changes while developing practical leadership skills that can strengthen their advocacy and community work.
Participants will connect with experts, activists, and peers from different countries and backgrounds.
What Participants Will Learn
The program combines leadership development with discussions on technology, human rights, and peacebuilding.
Key learning topics include:
- Artificial intelligence and global security
- Digital rights and online freedom
- Gender impacts of emerging technologies
- Disinformation and digital manipulation
- Online safety and digital security
- Feminist approaches to technology governance
- Peacebuilding in the digital era
- International movement building
- Community leadership strategies
Each session is designed to help participants apply new knowledge to real-world challenges.
Honorarium and Participant Support
The Nobel Women’s Initiative will provide an honorarium to participants who successfully complete the program.
The support may help cover:
- Internet expenses
- Workspace costs
- Transportation needs
- Caregiving responsibilities
- Other participation-related expenses
Participants must provide valid banking details to receive the honorarium after completing program requirements.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to positive social change.
To apply, candidates should:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old
- Have an interest in feminist peacebuilding
- Be involved in social justice, women’s rights, or digital rights work
- Demonstrate leadership within their communities
- Be able to participate in English
- Commit to attending at least 80% of live sessions
The program welcomes applications from women, trans, and non-binary activists worldwide.
Priority Regions and Areas of Interest
The selection process aims to create a diverse international cohort.
Applicants from the following regions are especially encouraged to apply:
- East Africa
- Sudan
- Liberia
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Afghanistan
- Myanmar
- Syria
- Yemen
- Iraq
- Iran
- Occupied Palestinian Territory
- Philippines
- Colombia
- Haiti
- Ukraine
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Mexico
The program also welcomes individuals working in:
- Peacebuilding
- Journalism
- Human rights advocacy
- Digital rights
- Technology policy
- AI governance
- Women, Peace and Security initiatives
- Youth, Peace and Security initiatives
- Digital security
- Counter-disinformation projects
Previous experience is beneficial but not required.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit a complete application package before the deadline.
Personal Statement or Video
Candidates may submit:
- A one-page written statement, or
- A video of up to two minutes
The submission should explain:
- Their leadership experience
- Their community work
- Challenges they face
- How the program will support their goals
Additional Documents
Applicants must also provide:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Reference letter from an organization, activist, or institution working in peacebuilding, social justice, digital rights, or related fields
Selection Process
Applications will undergo a competitive review process.
The process includes:
- Eligibility screening
- Application assessment
- Candidate shortlisting
- Group interviews via Zoom
- Final participant selection
Successful applicants will receive further instructions through email.
Why This Program Matters
Artificial intelligence continues to influence politics, media, public discourse, and human rights worldwide. Understanding these changes has become increasingly important for community leaders and activists.
The Sister-to-Sister Program creates a space where participants can learn, collaborate, and develop practical solutions to emerging challenges. Through mentorship, peer learning, and leadership training, participants gain tools that can strengthen their work long after the program ends.
The initiative also helps build lasting international networks that connect activists working toward peace, equality, and social justice.
Application Deadline
| Important Date | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 26 June 2026 |
| Program Start Date | 24 August 2026 |
| Program End Date | 28 September 2026 |
Final Thoughts
The Nobel Women’s Initiative Sister-to-Sister Young Feminist Leadership Program 2026 offers a valuable opportunity for emerging leaders interested in peacebuilding, digital rights, and social change.
With expert-led learning, mentorship, global networking, and financial support through an honorarium, the program can help participants strengthen their leadership skills and expand their impact within their communities.
Young activists and changemakers interested in shaping more inclusive and peaceful futures should consider applying before the deadline.
