Written by The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has opened applications for the inaugural ITU Gender Champions Programme 2027, an initiative recognising young women using technology to advance digital inclusion and create positive change in their communities, countries or regions.
The programme will support up to four outstanding young women aged 18–25 who are using digital technology to promote inclusion, digital transformation and sustainable development.
Selected Gender Champions will have the opportunity to participate in the AI for Good Global Summit 2027 in Geneva, Switzerland, scheduled for June 21–25, 2027.
Applications close on November 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CET.
About the ITU Gender Champions Programme
The programme is implemented by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) with support from Australia and Women’s WorldWide Web (W4).
It aims to recognise emerging women leaders who are already using technology to address challenges in their communities and help close the gender digital divide.
Selected Champions will join a global network connecting young women with experts, policymakers and innovators working on digital transformation and inclusion.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to young women aged 18 to 25 who are using technology or digital innovation to create positive change.
Applicants must be nationals of countries within ITU’s regional groups, covering:
- Africa
- Americas
- Arab States
- Asia and the Pacific
- Commonwealth of Independent States
Applicants should demonstrate how their work contributes to inclusive development through technology.
What Kind of Work Is Eligible?
ITU is looking for young women working on initiatives connected to digital transformation, digital inclusion and gender equality.
Relevant areas include:
- Digital skills and literacy
- Connectivity and internet access
- Artificial intelligence
- Digital innovation
- Online safety and cybersecurity awareness
- Women and girls in STEM
- Digital entrepreneurship
- Digital health
- Inclusive technology
- Technology for education
- Digital public policy
- ICT access
- Community technology initiatives
- Technology for social good
- Digital rights
- Women’s digital empowerment
Applicants do not need to work in a particular technology sector. The focus is on how technology is being used to create measurable change and advance digital inclusion.
What Do Selected Gender Champions Receive?
Participation in AI for Good Global Summit 2027
Selected Champions will have the opportunity to participate in the AI for Good Global Summit 2027 in Geneva, taking place from June 21 to 25, 2027.
Global Network and Visibility
The programme provides opportunities for young women leaders to connect with a global network of experts, policymakers and innovators.
It is also designed to amplify the work of young women already contributing to digital transformation and inclusion.
Potential Project Support
ITU states that, subject to sufficient available funds, selected Champions may receive support to implement or strengthen a community-level project advancing women’s and girls’ digital inclusion, access, skills or empowerment.
This should not be presented as a guaranteed cash award, as ITU makes the support conditional on available funding.
How Will Applicants Be Selected?
Applications will be reviewed by ITU and programme partners against the eligibility and selection criteria in the programme’s Terms and Conditions.
The assessment considers factors including:
- Relevance to gender equality in digital transformation
- Leadership in addressing the gender digital divide
- Measurable impact
- Potential for scalability
- Originality and innovation
- Capacity for collaboration
- Potential for sustained engagement
ITU says only pre-selected candidates will be contacted because of the expected volume of applications.
The final cohort will also consider diversity of backgrounds, experiences and geographical representation.
Application Timeline
The current programme timeline is:
Applications open: September 21, 2026
Applications close: November 15, 2026
Review and selection: November 16, 2026 – March 7, 2027
Cohort announced: March 8, 2027
AI for Good Global Summit: June 21–25, 2027, Geneva, Switzerland
How to Apply
Eligible young women can submit their applications through the official ITU Gender Champions Programme page.
Apply for the ITU Gender Champions Programme 2027
Applicants should also review the programme’s Terms and Conditions before submitting their application.
Key Details
Programme: ITU Gender Champions Programme
Cohort: 2027
Organiser: International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
Target: Young women using technology for positive change
Age: 18–25
Geographic scope: Global
Selected participants: Up to 4
Focus: Digital transformation, digital inclusion and gender equality
Major opportunity: Participation in AI for Good Global Summit 2027
Potential additional support: Community-level digital inclusion projects, subject to available funds
Applications close: November 15, 2026, 11:59 p.m. CET
Application: Online