The Organization for Security and Co‑operation in Europe (OSCE) has opened applications for the Women’s Peace Leadership Programme 2026–2027, a prestigious international initiative designed to empower women working in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and security through digital leadership skills. This programme is part of the OSCE’s broader commitment to advancing gender equality and strengthening inclusive leadership in global peace and security processes.

This opportunity brings together women leaders from across the OSCE region and partner countries to develop practical digital skills, strengthen their leadership capabilities, and build international networks that support sustainable peace and democratic resilience.

The programme will run for one full year—from May 2026 to May 2027 and will select up to 20 women professionals actively working in fields related to peace, security, development, or digital transformation.

Overview of the OSCE Women’s Peace Leadership Programme

The OSCE Women’s Peace Leadership Programme: Leveraging Digital Tools for Comprehensive Security is the fourth edition of this flagship leadership initiative organized by the OSCE Secretariat’s Gender Issues Programme under the WIN project.

The programme responds to the growing importance of digital tools in peacebuilding, governance, and conflict resolution. In a world where digital platforms influence political discourse, civic engagement, and conflict dynamics, equipping women peace leaders with digital skills has become essential.

Through a combination of training, mentorship, and networking opportunities, participants will gain the skills needed to use digital tools effectively for peacebuilding initiatives and security-related advocacy.

The programme focuses on several critical objectives:

• Strengthening women’s leadership roles in peace and security processes

• Promoting gender equality in digital environments

• Enhancing the use of digital technologies in conflict prevention and peacebuilding

• Building strong international networks of women leaders

By combining technical training with leadership development, the programme aims to create a new generation of digitally empowered women leaders capable of influencing policy, promoting democratic resilience, and strengthening peace initiatives in their communities.

Programme Timeline and Duration

The fellowship will run for one year, beginning in May 2026 and ending in May 2027.

During this period, participants will engage in a structured programme that combines both virtual and in-person learning experiences.

Key components of the timeline include:

• May 2026: Programme launch

• Throughout the year: Online workshops and networking sessions

• September 2026: One week of in-person training in Austria

• May 2027: Completion of the programme

This extended timeframe allows participants to apply the knowledge they gain while remaining actively involved in their professional work.

Benefits of the OSCE Women’s Peace Leadership Programme

Participants selected for this fellowship will receive a wide range of professional development opportunities designed to enhance their skills, networks, and leadership capacity.

1. Professional Leadership Development

The programme provides structured leadership training focused on peacebuilding, digital communication, and strategic advocacy.

Participants will learn how to:

• Use digital tools for conflict prevention and peacebuilding

• Design effective digital campaigns for advocacy

• Strengthen leadership strategies within international security contexts

• Promote inclusive governance and democratic participation

2. Digital Skills Training for Peacebuilding

A major focus of the programme is equipping participants with the technical skills necessary to operate effectively in digital environments.

Training topics include:

• Digital tools for civic engagement and advocacy

• Online communication strategies

• Digital resilience and security

• Leveraging technology to influence policy and decision-making

3. International Networking Opportunities

Participants will connect with:

• Policymakers

• Peacebuilding practitioners

• International organizations

• Civil society leaders

These connections provide long-term opportunities for collaboration and professional growth.

4. Tailored Career Coaching

Each participant will benefit from personalized coaching sessions designed to help them strengthen their career trajectory within peacebuilding and security sectors.

These sessions include:

• Leadership mentoring

• Career strategy guidance

• Peer-to-peer learning exchanges

5. In-Person Training in Austria

Participants will attend a one-week full-time training programme in Austria.

Financial support will include a Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) to help cover travel, accommodation, and meal expenses during the training period.

Structure of the Fellowship Programme

The programme is delivered through a hybrid learning model that combines online engagement with face-to-face training.

Participants will complete:

Online Workshops

Six online workshops will be conducted during the programme, each lasting approximately two hours.

These workshops focus on topics such as:

• Digital security and online advocacy

• Peacebuilding strategies in digital environments

• Leadership development and communication

Community of Practice Sessions

Participants will take part in six community sessions designed to facilitate knowledge sharing among the cohort.

These sessions create a collaborative environment where participants can discuss challenges, exchange ideas, and develop solutions together.

Residential Training Week

A full week of intensive in-person training will be held in Austria in September 2026.

This component will include:

• Leadership seminars

• Expert lectures

• Networking sessions with policymakers

• Practical workshops on digital tools and security

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet several eligibility criteria to qualify for the programme.

1. Gender Requirement – Only women applicants are eligible to apply.

2. Professional Experience – Applicants must have at least five years of professional experience in areas related to:

• Peacebuilding

• Security and conflict resolution

• Development

• Digital tools and governance

• Human rights or gender equality

3.Citizenship Requirements – Applicants must be citizens of one of the following categories of countries:

1. OSCE participating states

2. OSCE Partners for Cooperation

These countries span several regions including:

• Europe

• Central Asia

• North America

• Parts of Asia

• Mediterranean partner countries

4. Current Engagement in Relevant Fields – Applicants must currently be working in fields related to peace, security, development, or digital innovation within the OSCE region.

5. Language Requirement – Applicants must demonstrate fluency in English (both written and spoken).

6. Commitment to Gender Equality – Candidates must demonstrate a strong commitment to gender equality and the promotion of inclusive digital environments.

7. Availability – Applicants must be able to participate in all components of the programme during the full one-year duration.

Who Should Apply

This fellowship is ideal for women professionals working in:

• Peacebuilding organizations

• Civil society organizations

• Government agencies

• International organizations

• Policy research institutions

• Digital governance initiatives

• Human rights advocacy groups

Women leaders who are actively involved in using digital tools for peacebuilding and democratic participation are strongly encouraged to apply.

Who Is Not Eligible

The following individuals are not eligible to apply:

• Current employees of the OSCE Secretariat or its field operations

• Staff members of OSCE institutions

• Participants from previous editions of the Women’s Peace Leadership Programme

Why This Fellowship Matters

Despite significant progress in global gender equality, women remain underrepresented in leadership roles within peace and security sectors.

Programs like the OSCE Women’s Peace Leadership Programme play a crucial role in addressing this gap by:

• Supporting women leaders in conflict prevention

• Promoting inclusive policymaking

• Enhancing digital participation in peacebuilding

• Strengthening international collaboration

By empowering women with digital leadership skills, the programme contributes to more inclusive and effective peacebuilding initiatives.

How to Apply

Interested applicants must submit their application through the official online application system provided by the OSCE.

Applications must include all required information and supporting materials. Only applications submitted through the official platform will be considered.

Apply here

Deadline

31st March 2026 (11:59 CET)

The OSCE Women’s Peace Leadership Programme is one of the most impactful international leadership opportunities for women working in peacebuilding and security. By combining leadership training, digital skills development, and international networking, the programme equips participants with the tools needed to drive meaningful change in their communities and beyond.

For more information visit here

For more global opportunities click here