AAI 2026: Fully Funded Advocacy Institute for Young Feminist Leaders from Global South
Young feminist leaders from the Global South have a new chance to build skills and networks. The ARROW-AMwA Advocacy Institute 2026, or AAI 2026, opens applications today. This fully funded program gathers 150 women aged 18 to 35 for training in advocacy and leadership.
About the Advocacy Institute
The AAI 2026 comes from two groups: the Asian-Pacific Resource and Research Centre for Women (ARROW) and Akina Mama wa Afrika (AMwA). It helps young women fight for social justice in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. The program builds on past efforts to grow feminist movements. It stresses work based on local needs, teamwork across regions, and pushback against groups that oppose gender rights.
Program Objectives
AAI 2026 wants to boost skills in advocacy and leadership. It brings together women from different ages and movements. Participants get help to start projects in their countries. The goal is a strong web of leaders who share ideas and support each other.
Thematic Focus Areas
The institute covers key topics like sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). It looks at reproductive justice and control over one’s body. Other areas include gender equality, economic justice, climate justice, digital tools and AI, trade and global systems, and political equality. Sessions fight anti-democratic trends too.
Program Structure
Capacity Strengthening Webinars
This starts with online learning from May 29 to July 10, 2026. It lasts seven weeks and includes six webinars on themes, one orientation, weekly office hours, and three regional meetings. Women learn tools for real-world use.
South2South Feminist Fellowship
The best 50 from webinars move to this phase. They get technical help, a small grant, and time to run national advocacy plans. This turns learning into action.
Eligibility Criteria
You must be 18 to 35 years old, born on or after July 1, 1992. Need two years in human rights, gender equality, or SRHR work. Work with a group that supports feminist values. Show strong belief in these ideas. Live in and come from Africa, Asia, or the Pacific.
Why You Should Apply
AAI 2026 links you to a global group of leaders. You gain hands-on skills and join cross-region work. Mentors guide you, and funding helps projects. Make real change in gender equality and justice.
Eligible Countries
Africa
Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Zambia, Benin, Senegal, Ghana, Morocco, Burkina Faso, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Niger, Togo.
Asia
Southeast Asia: Cambodia, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Laos, Vietnam.
South Asia: Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Maldives.
Central Asia: Mongolia.
East Asia: China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea.
West Asia: UAE, Qatar.
Pacific
Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Cook Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.
Informational Session
Join a free Zoom call on April 20, 2026, at 6:30 PM Malaysian time. It gives tips to improve your application.
Application Details
Apply by April 28, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET. Use English, with French help available. Ask for sign-language if needed. Find the concept note and guides online. Apply now.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ARROW-AMwA Advocacy Institute 2026?
AAI 2026 is a fully funded program by ARROW and AMwA that trains 150 women aged 18-35 in advocacy and leadership to advance social justice in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific.
Who can apply for AAI 2026?
You must be 18-35 years old, have two years of experience in human rights, gender equality, or SRHR, work with a feminist group, and live in eligible countries in Africa, Asia, or the Pacific.
What does the program structure include?
It starts with seven weeks of online webinars from May 29 to July 10, 2026, followed by a South2South Feminist Fellowship for 50 top participants with grants and mentorship for national projects.
How do I apply for AAI 2026?
Submit your application by April 28, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET via the online form; join the free informational Zoom on April 20, 2026, for tips.