Open Call: Indigenous Women’s Program Fellowship 2026(Cohort iv)

Admin,

Application Deadline: November 5, 2925

Land is Life has announced the open call for the 2026 Indigenous Women’s Program Fellowship (Cohort IV) — an opportunity designed to empower Indigenous women leaders who are driving meaningful transformation in their communities.

Applications are open from October 6 to November 5, 2025, inviting passionate Indigenous women from Africa, Asia, and the Americas to participate in this year-long leadership and advocacy fellowship.

This global program continues to nurture the next generation of Indigenous women advocates, strengthening their capacity to promote gender equality, protect Indigenous rights, and sustain community well-being.

About the Indigenous Women’s Program

The Indigenous Women’s Program, created and led by Indigenous women, provides vital support to those working to uphold their people’s rights to land, resources, and self-determination.

Through this initiative, women gain the tools and resources they need to:

  • Assert individual and collective rights.
  • Improve access to and control over land and natural resources.
  • Advance gender equality and community development.
  • Strengthen their voices in national and global advocacy spaces.

The program’s approach ensures that Indigenous women are not just beneficiaries but key drivers of change, building sustainable livelihoods and protecting their peoples’ entitlements.

Fellowship Overview

The Indigenous Women’s Fellowship is a 12-month intensive program designed to develop leadership, advocacy, and technical skills among Indigenous women. Fellows receive mentorship, training, and financial support to design and execute community-based projects that address pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will receive:

  • Personalized mentorship from experienced Indigenous women leaders with proven advocacy experience.
  • Funding support of up to $3,000 USD to design and implement a community project.
  • A $3,600 USD stipend to sustain participation throughout the program.
  • Monthly training sessions on topics related to Indigenous Peoples’ rights and gender equality.
  • Leadership and advocacy development to enhance decision-making power.
  • Networking opportunities with local, regional, and global partners.
  • Advocacy support for engagement in international platforms and policy spaces.

Fellowship Commitments

Fellows are expected to:

  • Design and execute a community project within 10 months.
  • Champion initiatives that promote and protect Indigenous Peoples’ rights, especially the rights of women and girls.
  • Participate actively in all training sessions and peer-learning activities throughout the program year.

This commitment ensures that each fellow contributes meaningfully to advancing Indigenous rights while gaining valuable leadership experience.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Identify as an Indigenous woman aged 18 to 35 years.
  • Must not be a previous Land is Life fellow.
  • Have a clear project idea that supports Indigenous women’s rights, leadership, and community development.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should:

  1. Complete the online application form available in English, French, or Spanish.
  2. Develop a project proposal that promotes Indigenous Peoples’ rights with a focus on women and girls.
    Eligible project themes include:
    • Capacity building and leadership development.
    • Biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.
    • Improved livelihoods and governance.
    • Participation in decision-making spaces.

Applicants who cannot complete the written form may instead submit a video application (up to 15 minutes) answering all questions in English, French, or Spanish. Videos should conclude with a verbal acceptance of the program’s terms and be saved in MP3 or MP4 format before submission to info@landislife.org.

📅 Key Dates:

  • Registration Period: October 6 – November 5, 2025
  • Results Announcement: January 5, 2026
  • Program Start Date: January 12, 2026

About Land is Life

Land is Life is a global coalition of Indigenous Peoples committed to advancing self-determination, protecting collective rights, and preserving the natural resources and knowledge systems of Indigenous communities worldwide.

For more than three decades, the organization has supported local movements in over seven socio-cultural regions, promoting justice, sustainability, and cultural integrity.

Your support fuels this important work. Every contribution helps Indigenous Peoples safeguard their territories and secure a just, sustainable future.

For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE

Be one of the first to see new opportunities, Follow Us on social media: Facebook, Whatsapp Channel, LinkedIn

Fellowships & Scholarship opportunities