World YWCA Leadership Cohort 2025
World YWCA Leadership Cohort 2025 – Call for Applications
The World YWCA is now accepting applications for the Leadership Cohort 2025, a six-month paid internship designed to strengthen the leadership of young women across the movement. This program is open to passionate and dynamic young women who are actively engaged in their local, national, or regional YWCAs and who are committed to advancing women’s rights and intergenerational leadership.
The internship will run from October 2025 to March 2026 and is supported by the World Service Council, a long-standing partner of the World YWCA in building young women’s leadership.
📌Application deadline: Sunday, 28 September 2025, 11:59 PM (CET).
About the Program
Selected participants will work remotely from their home countries and collaborate with colleagues from different regions. The program will conclude with the entire cohort traveling to New York in March 2026 to join the World YWCA delegation at the 70th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70).
During the internship, participants will:
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Contribute to implementing the Strategic Framework 2024–2027.
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Support fundraising, donor engagement, and leadership strategies.
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Participate in a structured research initiative using the Feminist Consultation Methodology (FCM).
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Receive training on World YWCA tools, campaign development, and fundraising.
Focus Areas
The internship combines learning, research, and hands-on assignments:
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Learning & Training – Orientation on YWCA strategies, FCM, and continuous skill development.
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Leadership Cohort Research – Documenting the history, objectives, and impact of past cohorts, analyzing lessons learned, and preparing recommendations.
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Fundraising & Donor Engagement – Depending on skills and interests, tasks may include:
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Engaging with major donors and storytelling.
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Supporting grant research, proposal writing, and capacity building.
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Contributing to leadership summits, donor communication, and digital outreach.
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Eligibility
Applicants must:
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Be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of application.
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Have at least two years of active involvement in a YWCA (national, regional, or local) as a member, staff, volunteer, or participant.
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Have basic working knowledge of English (Spanish and/or French are an asset).
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Show a clear commitment to women’s rights and intergenerational leadership.
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Be able to commit 25–30 hours per week for the internship and be available to travel to New York in March 2026.
Additional assets: prior experience in advocacy, activism, or fundraising; being independent, flexible, and creative.
Endorsement Requirement
All applicants must be endorsed by their national YWCA member association in good standing with the World YWCA. This endorsement confirms that the association supports the applicant and will provide space for her contributions during the internship.
Selection Process
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Applications will first be reviewed by the World YWCA Secretariat.
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A youth-led review team will then shortlist and assess candidates.
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Final decisions will be announced within three weeks of the deadline.
Benefits & Provisions
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Stipend: A modest stipend will be provided, adjusted to local context.
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Remote Work: Interns will work from their home country.
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Travel Costs: Airfare, visa fees, accommodation, and meals in New York will be fully covered by the World YWCA.
Key Dates
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Call published: 3 September 2025
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Application deadline: 28 September 2025 (11:59 PM CET)
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Final announcement: 20 October 2025
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Internship period: October 2025 – March 2026
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In-person participation: CSW70, New York, March 2026
How to Apply
Applicants must submit the online application form along with:
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A CV/Resume (max. 2 pages, in English, French, or Spanish).
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A signed endorsement letter from a YWCA member association.
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Confirmation of availability (hours per week and flexibility).
For queries, contact: leadershipcohort@worldywca.org
More details: [Visit official website]
Closing Note
The Leadership Cohort 2025 is a rare opportunity for young women to grow as leaders, contribute to global strategies, and represent the YWCA movement on an international stage. By combining remote work, capacity-building, and in-person advocacy, the program continues to invest in the next generation of feminist leaders.
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