Are you a young feminist leader ready to make real change? The ARROW-AMwA Advocacy Institute 2026, or AAI 2026, opens applications now for women from the Global South. This fully funded program helps build skills and networks to fight for gender equality and social justice.
About the Advocacy Institute
The AAI 2026 brings together 150 young women from Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. It is run by the Asian-Pacific Resource and Research Centre for Women and Akina Mama wa Afrika. The goal is to create strong feminist leaders who work on issues close to home while connecting across regions.
This institute fights back against anti-rights movements. It stresses local realities, teamwork between regions, and inclusive advocacy that looks at how different issues overlap.
Program Objectives
AAI 2026 focuses on key goals to build power in feminist movements. It helps participants grow their advocacy and leadership skills. The program also pushes for work between generations and movements.
It supports projects at the national level and creates a network of leaders. This setup lets women turn ideas into action for bigger change.
Thematic Focus Areas
The institute covers important global topics. These include sexual and reproductive health and rights, or SRHR. It also looks at reproductive justice, bodily autonomy, and gender equality.
Other areas are economic justice, human rights funding, climate justice, and digitalization with AI. Participants will study trade, security, global systems, political equality, and ways to resist anti-democratic forces.
Program Structure
The program has two main parts to give hands-on learning.
Capacity Strengthening Webinars
This starts with a 7-week online phase from May 29 to July 10, 2026. It includes 6 thematic webinars, 1 orientation session, weekly office hours, and 3 regional caucuses. Women learn key skills in a group setting.
South2South Feminist Fellowship
The best participants move to this next step. It selects 50 fellows who get technical help for their advocacy projects. They also receive a small grant and a chance to run national plans.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, you must meet these rules. Be aged 18 to 35, born on or after July 1, 1992. Have at least 2 years in human rights, gender equality, or SRHR work.
You need to work with a group that supports feminist values. Show strong commitment to these ideas. Be from an eligible country in Africa, Asia, or the Pacific, and live there.
Why You Should Apply
AAI 2026 offers more than training. Join a global network of leaders and gain real advocacy skills. Work with others across regions and get mentorship.
Access funding and make a difference in social and political areas. It is a chance to shape feminist work in the Global South.
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 session to learn more and improve your application. It happens on April 20, 2026, at 6:30 PM Malaysian Time.
Application Details
Apply by April 28, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET. Use English, with French interpretation available. Ask for sign-language help if needed.
Check the concept note and guidance docs. Apply now. Do not miss this chance to join the movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for AAI 2026?
You must be a woman aged 18 to 35 from eligible countries in Africa, Asia, or the Pacific, with at least two years of experience in human rights, gender equality, or SRHR work, and affiliated with a feminist organization.
What is the structure of the AAI 2026 program?
It begins with a 7-week online phase of webinars and sessions from May 29 to July 10, 2026, followed by a South2South Feminist Fellowship for 50 selected participants with project support and grants.
What is the application deadline for AAI 2026?
Applications close on April 28, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET.
What are the main thematic focus areas of AAI 2026?
Key topics include sexual and reproductive health and rights, economic justice, climate justice, digitalization with AI, and strategies to resist anti-rights movements.
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