EU-LAC Leadership School for Women in Local Politics 2026 (Scholarships Available)

Applications are now open for the EU-LAC Birregional School of Local Political Leadership for Women 2026, organized by the EU-LAC Foundation. This unique international leadership programme aims to strengthen the political leadership, advocacy, and governance capacities of women from Latin America, the Caribbean, and the European Union through a combination of online learning and an intensive in-person training in Panama.

The programme brings together emerging and experienced women leaders to build practical skills in political leadership, public management, communication, negotiation, and democratic participation while fostering cross-regional collaboration and mentorship.

Programme Overview

• Organizer: EU-LAC Foundation
• Programme: EU-LAC Leadership School for Women in Local Politics 2026
• Format: Hybrid (Online + In-Person)
• In-Person Venue: Panama
• Programme Date: October 2026
• Target Participants: Women leaders from Latin America, the Caribbean, and the European Union
• Application Deadline: 24 July 2026 (23:59 CEST)

Scholarship Benefits

Selected participants who require financial support may receive:

• Round-trip international airfare
• Hotel accommodation
• Daily meal allowance
• Local transportation during the programme
• Participation in all training sessions
• Access to international mentoring and networking opportunities

The EU-LAC Foundation will directly arrange travel and accommodation for eligible scholarship recipients.

Programme Highlights

Participants will benefit from:

• Interactive virtual preparatory sessions
• Intensive in-person leadership training
• Practical workshops on political leadership
• Communication and public speaking training
• Negotiation and advocacy skills development
• Public management and local governance tools
• Intergenerational mentoring
• Networking with women leaders across Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean
• Membership opportunities within the EU-LAC WIN Network

Learning Areas

The programme focuses on:

• Political Leadership
• Local Governance
• Public Administration
• Democratic Participation
• Human Rights
• Gender Equality
• Feminist Leadership
• Strategic Communication
• Political Negotiation
• Community Leadership
• Public Policy
• International Cooperation

Who Can Apply?

The programme welcomes applications from two categories:

Young Women Leaders

Applicants should:

• Be active in political, community, or social initiatives.
• Demonstrate an interest in local political leadership.
• Belong to a network, organization, programme, or institution.
• Be committed to participating in all online modules, the in-person programme, and follow-up activities.
• Be interested in joining or contributing to the EU-LAC WIN Network.

Senior Women Leaders

Applicants should:

• Have significant experience in political, municipal, or community leadership.
• Demonstrate proven impact within their communities.
• Belong to a recognized network, organization, programme, or institution.
• Be willing to mentor emerging women leaders.
• Participate fully in all programme activities and contribute to knowledge sharing.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit:

• Completed and signed application form
• Proof of membership in a network, programme, organization, or institution
• Letter of recommendation or institutional support

All documents must be submitted in English or Spanish in PDF or MS Word format.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Leadership experience
• Community engagement
• Commitment to gender equality
• Interest in local political participation
• Motivation to contribute to democratic governance
• Potential to strengthen international cooperation and regional networks

Why Apply?

This programme offers participants the opportunity to:

• Strengthen political leadership skills.
• Learn from experienced women leaders across three regions.
• Build international professional networks.
• Gain practical knowledge in governance and public policy.
• Exchange experiences with women from diverse cultural and political backgrounds.
• Join a growing international community committed to advancing women’s political participation and democratic leadership.

Final Thoughts

The EU-LAC Leadership School for Women in Local Politics 2026 is an outstanding opportunity for women who are passionate about public service, community development, and democratic leadership. Through expert-led training, international networking, and financial support for selected participants, the programme empowers women to strengthen their leadership skills and drive meaningful change in their local communities while building lasting connections across Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean.