Vital Voices’ VVEngage Fellowship 2026 for Women in Public Leadership
Vital Voices
Quick Facts
A word from Eli, founder of Rise Africa Scholars
MSc Information Security — Unicaf Scholar
While you wait for a fully funded opportunity, don’t put your education on hold. I completed my MSc through Unicaf — studying online from Nairobi while working full-time. The tuition discount made it genuinely affordable, and the degree is from an accredited UK university.
If you’re serious about advancing your career now, I’d encourage you to explore it. I only recommend what I’ve used myself.
About This Scholarship
The VV Engage Fellowship is a 10-month fully funded programme supporting outstanding women public leaders making and influencing policy across the globe, with training on leadership, strategic communications, political strategy, and governance in partnership with Harvard Kennedy School and the Council of World Women Leaders. Fellows gain access to a global network of peers and political leaders, including current and former heads of state, and participate in the Vital Voices Leadership Journey development course.
What This Scholarship Covers
- Leadership training on political strategy, governance, strategic communications, and community mobilization
- Vital Voices Leadership Journey virtual leadership development course
- Access to VV Engage Alumni community of over 190 alumni
- Access to Vital Voices global network of more than 49,000 women leaders
- Network Hub with ongoing continuing education and engagement opportunities
Who Can Apply
- 1 Must be a woman aged 18 years old by June 2026
- 2 Must have at least three years of experience holding a leadership or decision-making role in public office, government, civic institutions, political movements, or public policy spaces
- 3 Must be one of the following: an elected/appointed official, political party leader, appointed official, political activist, community leader, media professional, or civil society leader
- 4 Must demonstrate commitment to the core principles of the Vital Voices Leadership Model: innovative, collaborative, mission-driven, engaged in community, committed to working with different political ideologies, committed to advancing the status of women and girls, and committed to transparency and good governance
- 5 Must demonstrate commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)