AAI 2026: Fully Funded Feminist Advocacy Institute
Young feminist leaders from the Global South now have a chance to apply for the ARROW-AMwA Advocacy Institute 2026, or AAI 2026. This fully funded program gathers 150 women aged 18 to 35 to build skills in advocacy and leadership. It focuses on key issues like gender equality and reproductive rights.
What Is the AAI 2026?
The AAI 2026 comes from two groups: the Asian-Pacific Resource and Research Centre for Women (ARROW) and Akina Mama wa Afrika (AMwA). These organizations have run similar programs before to support feminist work in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. The institute helps young women create change in their communities by sharing knowledge and building networks.
It stresses solidarity across the Global South. Participants learn to fight back against movements that oppose gender rights. The program also pushes for inclusive advocacy that considers different backgrounds, like race and class.
Main Goals of the Program
AAI 2026 wants to help participants in several ways. First, it builds skills in advocacy and leadership. Second, it connects people from different generations and movements. Third, it supports projects at the national level. Finally, it creates a lasting network of leaders from various regions.
Key Topics Covered
The institute covers important global issues. These include sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), reproductive justice, and bodily autonomy. Other areas are gender equality, economic justice, climate justice, digitalization and AI, trade and security, and political equality. Participants will also learn to resist anti-democratic trends.
How the Program Works
Capacity Strengthening Webinars
This part starts with a 7-week online learning phase from May 29 to July 10, 2026. It includes six thematic webinars, one orientation session, weekly office hours, and three regional group meetings. This virtual setup lets everyone join from home.
South2South Feminist Fellowship
The best participants move to the next stage. Organizers pick 50 fellows from the group. These fellows get technical help for their advocacy projects, a small grant, and a chance to run national plans.
Who Can Apply?
To join, you must meet these rules:
- Be 18 to 35 years old (born on or after July 1, 1992).
- Have at least two years of experience in human rights, gender equality, or SRHR advocacy.
- Work with an organization that supports feminist values.
- Show strong commitment to feminist ideas.
- Live in and be a national of an eligible country in Africa, Asia, or the Pacific.
Reasons to Apply for AAI 2026
This program offers real benefits. You join a global network of leaders. You gain hands-on skills in advocacy. It encourages teamwork across regions. Plus, you get mentorship and funding chances. In the end, you help drive big changes in society and politics.
Eligible Countries
Africa
Countries include Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Zambia, Benin, Senegal, Ghana, Morocco, Burkina Faso, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Niger, and 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.
Info Session and Application Info
Join a free virtual info session on April 20, 2026, at 6:30 PM Malaysian Time on Zoom. It will help you prepare a strong application.
Applications close on 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 for tips.
Apply here: forms.gle/cZb6Wz6ZiC8huaMEA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AAI 2026 program?
The AAI 2026 is a fully funded institute by ARROW and AMwA that gathers 150 young women aged 18-35 from the Global South to build advocacy and leadership skills on gender equality and reproductive rights.
Who is eligible to apply for AAI 2026?
You must be 18-35 years old, have at least two years of experience in human rights, gender equality, or SRHR advocacy, work with a feminist organization, and live in an eligible country in Africa, Asia, or the Pacific.
What does the program include?
It starts with 7 weeks of online webinars from May 29 to July 10, 2026, followed by a South2South Feminist Fellowship for 50 selected participants with technical support, grants, and national project opportunities.
When is the application deadline for AAI 2026?
Applications close on April 28, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET; join the info session on April 20, 2026, at 6:30 PM Malaysian Time for tips.