ITU Gender Champions Programme 2027 for Young Women in Tech

Internship Details

Introduction

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is inviting applications for its 2027 Gender Champions Programme, an international opportunity for young women who use technology and digital innovation to create positive change in their communities, countries or regions.

The programme aims to recognise and support emerging women leaders who are advancing digital inclusion, promoting equitable access to technology and contributing to a more inclusive digital future.

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For its inaugural cohort, ITU will select up to four young women aged 18–25 to participate in the AI for Good Global Summit 2027, scheduled to take place in Geneva, Switzerland, from 21 to 25 June 2027.

The programme is implemented by ITU with support from the Government of Australia and Women’s Worldwide Web (W4).

In addition to participating in the global summit, selected Gender Champions may receive support to implement or strengthen community-level projects that advance women’s and girls’ digital access, skills, inclusion and empowerment. Project funding is subject to available funds and ITU’s discretion.

Applications opened on 21 September 2026 and close on 15 November 2026.

Opportunity type: International leadership and digital inclusion programme
Organiser: International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
Supporting partners: Government of Australia and Women’s Worldwide Web (W4)
Number of participants: Up to four
Eligible age: 18–25 years at the time of application
Summit location: Geneva, Switzerland
Summit dates: 21–25 June 2027
Application deadline: 15 November 2026
Application fee: Free

Benefits

1. Attend an international technology summit

Selected participants will attend the AI for Good Global Summit 2027 in Geneva, where they can engage with international experts, policymakers, innovators and other stakeholders working on artificial intelligence and digital technologies.

2. Return economy-class airfare

The programme provides selected Gender Champions with a round-trip economy-class flight ticket to and from the summit location, subject to the official programme terms.

3. Accommodation

Accommodation will be provided for the duration of the summit in accordance with the organiser’s arrangements.

4. Daily subsistence allowance

Selected participants will receive a per diem allowance to help cover eligible daily expenses during their stay. The amount will be determined by the organiser.

5. Leadership development

Participants will have an opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills, expand their understanding of digital inclusion and contribute to international conversations about technology and development.

6. International networking

The summit offers opportunities to connect with experts, policymakers, innovators and leaders working to make digital technologies more accessible and inclusive.

7. Recognition and visibility

Selected participants will have an opportunity to showcase their work and increase the visibility of initiatives that use technology to address community challenges.

8. Potential support for community projects

Subject to available funding and ITU’s discretion, selected Gender Champions may receive support to implement or strengthen projects that advance women’s and girls’ digital inclusion, access, skills or empowerment.

Project funding is not guaranteed. Any approved funds must be used for the agreed project purpose and managed in accordance with ITU’s applicable rules, policies and procedures, including any additional conditions communicated by the organiser.

What costs are covered?

The programme provides the specified return economy-class airfare, accommodation and daily subsistence allowance under its terms and conditions.

Participants remain responsible for expenses that are not covered by these benefits. They are also responsible for obtaining the necessary visas and ensuring that their travel documents are in order before travelling.

Participation is free, but applicants should not assume that every expense associated with attending the summit will be covered.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should review the official terms and conditions carefully to ensure they meet the programme’s requirements.

1. Age requirement

Applicants must be at least 18 and no older than 25 years old when they submit their application.

2. Demonstrated impact through technology

The programme is intended for young women who use technology or digital innovation to create positive change in their communities, countries or regions.

Relevant initiatives may include:

• Promoting digital skills and literacy.
• Expanding access to internet connectivity and digital services.
• Developing technology-based solutions to social challenges.
• Supporting online safety.
• Using artificial intelligence for social good.
• Promoting inclusive digital policies.
• Improving women’s and girls’ access to technology.
• Using digital tools to empower women and girls.

These examples illustrate relevant areas of work and do not guarantee selection.

3. Accurate application information

Applicants must ensure that all information submitted is true, complete and up to date. ITU reserves the right to verify applicants’ eligibility and the accuracy of their submissions.

4. Relationship with the selection committee or organiser

Applicants must not be related to a member of the programme’s selection committee.

The official terms also state that neither the applicant nor any member of their family up to the third degree may be employed by the organiser. Applicants should review this condition carefully before applying.

5. Compliance with the programme rules

Applicants must follow all instructions on the programme website, application form and official terms and conditions.

Submissions that do not comply with the requirements may be disqualified.

6. Language requirement

Applications and submissions must be in English. Submissions that are not in English or are considered unrelated to the programme’s purpose may be disqualified.

7. Nationality and country eligibility

The main announcement does not provide a restricted list of eligible nationalities. Nigerian applicants should consult the official application form and terms to confirm that they meet all requirements.

Areas of Work Relevant to the Programme

The programme is intended to recognise young women whose work contributes to a more inclusive digital future.

Applicants may demonstrate their impact in areas such as:

Digital skills and literacy

Helping women and girls develop the skills needed to participate in the digital economy and use technology confidently.

Connectivity and digital access

Developing initiatives that improve access to internet connectivity, digital services, devices or other technology resources.

Technology and innovation

Building or promoting digital solutions that address social, economic, educational or community challenges.

Online safety

Helping people understand online risks and supporting safer, more responsible participation in digital spaces.

Artificial intelligence for social good

Using or promoting AI to address social challenges, particularly where the work supports inclusion and equitable access.

Inclusive digital policies

Advocating for policies and practices that make digital technologies more accessible to underserved communities.

Women’s and girls’ empowerment

Supporting initiatives that improve women’s and girls’ access to digital tools, skills, opportunities and participation.

Applicants should explain their own work, the problem they are addressing, the role technology plays and the impact their initiative has achieved or aims to achieve.

Selection Process

ITU and its programme partners will review applications against the eligibility and selection criteria stated in the official terms and conditions.

The selection committee consists of:

• Two representatives of the International Telecommunication Union.
• One representative of the Australian Government.
• One representative of Women’s Worldwide Web (W4).

The committee will assess applications and select the Gender Champions.

Because the programme expects to receive a high volume of applications, only pre-selected candidates will be contacted.

The final cohort will aim to reflect diversity in participants’ backgrounds, experiences and geographical representation.

Selection results will be communicated by email and published on the programme website. Applicants should therefore provide accurate contact information and monitor their email for official updates.

Important Terms and Conditions

Applicants should understand the following conditions before participating.

1. Verification of information

All application information must be accurate, complete and up to date. ITU may verify eligibility and the information supplied.

2. Disqualification

ITU reserves the right to disqualify applicants whose submissions do not comply with the programme instructions or official terms.

Submissions that are not in English or are unrelated to the programme’s purpose may also be disqualified.

3. Attendance at the summit

Selected Gender Champions are expected to attend the AI for Good Global Summit 2027 in Geneva from 21 to 25 June 2027.

4. Travel expenses and visas

The programme provides the specified return economy-class airfare, accommodation and daily subsistence allowance. Participants must cover other expenses not included in the stated benefits.

Each participant is responsible for obtaining the necessary visa and ensuring that all travel documents are in order.

5. Benefits cannot be transferred

Programme benefits cannot be substituted or transferred to another person.

6. Use of participants’ names, images and videos

By participating, selected applicants permit the organiser to use their names, likenesses, videos and photographs in connection with the programme worldwide and in any media, without remuneration.

7. Publication of programme-related content

ITU may develop and publish material related to participants’ involvement and submissions, including blog posts, photographs and social media content. Such material may appear on the organiser’s websites and other communication channels and may be made available to the public at the organiser’s discretion.

8. Use of ITU logos and emblems

Participants may not use the organiser’s emblem or the logos of organiser events without prior written permission.

9. Intellectual property and lawful content

Submissions must not:

• Violate third-party intellectual property rights.
• Be illegal under applicable national or international law.
• Depict or incite hatred.
• Defame, abuse, harass, stalk or threaten a person or social group.
• Incite violence or conflict.
• Violate third-party legal rights, including privacy and publicity rights.
• Violate the terms of use of any social media service, website, mobile application or other platform used in connection with a submission.

Applicants agree to release and hold the organiser harmless from claims, expenses and liabilities arising from or relating to programme participation and the content of their submissions.

10. Free participation

Participation is free of charge. However, participation does not create a right to compensation or reimbursement for expenses incurred.

11. Lost, late or undelivered applications

The organiser is not responsible for submissions that are lost, late, corrupted, mutilated, misdirected or otherwise undelivered, including applications that are not received by the deadline.

Applicants are encouraged to submit early and follow all instructions carefully.

12. Changes or cancellation

ITU reserves the right to modify the programme or its terms and conditions, change or shorten its content, suspend it, cancel it or terminate it in whole or in part.

Changes will be communicated through an announcement on the programme website.

13. Final decisions and privileges

The organiser reserves the right to make final decisions regarding the programme. The terms and conditions do not limit or waive any privileges and immunities specifically reserved by the organiser.

Application Timeline

The indicative timeline published for the 2027 cohort is as follows:

Applicants should check the official website for any subsequent changes to the schedule.

How to Apply

Interested applicants can follow these steps.

Step 1: Visit the official programme page

Read the announcement, eligibility criteria, timeline and terms and conditions.

Official programme page:
https://www.itu.int/initiatives/gender-equality/gender-champions/

Step 2: Read the official terms

Review the programme requirements carefully, including the age limit, relationship restrictions, submission language, travel conditions and participant obligations.

Official terms and conditions:
https://www.itu.int/initiatives/gender-equality/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/09/ITU-Gender-Champion-Programme-ToRs.pdf

Step 3: Prepare your application

Prepare accurate information about yourself and your work. Be ready to explain how your initiative uses technology or digital innovation to create positive change and advance digital inclusion.

Ensure your submission is written in English and follows the programme’s instructions.

Step 4: Complete the online application form

Open the official application form linked by ITU and follow the instructions.

Direct application form:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/N6J1QihUx6?origin=lprLink

Step 5: Review your submission

Before submitting, confirm that your information is complete, accurate and up to date. Make sure your application is relevant to the programme and complies with the official terms.

Step 6: Submit before the deadline

Submit your completed application by 15 November 2026. Avoid waiting until the final day in case of internet or technical problems.

Step 7: Monitor your email

Only pre-selected candidates will be contacted. Check your email regularly for communications from ITU and the programme partners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ITU Gender Champions Programme a scholarship?

No. It is an international leadership and digital inclusion programme, not a conventional university scholarship. Selected participants receive specified support to attend the global summit.

Is there a cash prize?

The official terms do not advertise a cash prize or salary. The stated benefits include return economy-class airfare, accommodation and a daily subsistence allowance. Additional project support may be available subject to funding and ITU’s discretion.

Can Nigerians apply?

The main announcement does not publish a restricted list of eligible nationalities. Nigerian applicants should confirm their eligibility using the official application form and terms.

Can men apply?

The programme is designed specifically for young women aged 18–25.

How many people will be selected?

Up to four young women will be selected for the inaugural cohort.

Will ITU fund my project?

Potential project support may be available for initiatives advancing women’s and girls’ digital inclusion, access, skills or empowerment. Funding is not guaranteed and depends on available funds and ITU’s discretion.

Will every applicant receive a response?

No. Because a high number of applications is anticipated, only pre-selected candidates will be contacted.

When will the selected participants be announced?

The indicative announcement date is 8 March 2027.

When will the summit take place?

The AI for Good Global Summit 2027 is scheduled for 21–25 June 2027 in Geneva, Switzerland.

Does the programme cover all travel expenses?

No. The programme provides the specified return economy-class airfare, accommodation and daily subsistence allowance. Participants remain responsible for uncovered expenses and their visa and travel-document requirements.

Is there an application fee?

No. Participation in the programme is free.

Conclusion

The ITU Gender Champions Programme 2027 offers young women aged 18–25 an opportunity to showcase how they are using technology to create positive change. Up to four participants will be selected to attend the AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva, Switzerland, with return economy-class airfare, accommodation and a daily subsistence allowance provided under the programme terms.

Young women working in digital skills, connectivity, technology innovation, online safety, artificial intelligence, inclusive digital policy and women’s digital empowerment should review the requirements and consider applying.

Application deadline: 15 November 2026.