Feminist Futures Fellowship 2027: Fully Funded Opportunity to Attend UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW 71) in New York

The Feminist Futures Fellowship: A Global Majority Exchange at the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW 71) is now accepting applications for 2027. Organized by the Heinrich Böll Foundation (HBS), Washington, DC Office, this fellowship will support feminist leaders and experts from the Global Majority to participate in the 71st session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW 71), scheduled to take place in New York City from March 8–19, 2027.

The fellowship provides an opportunity to engage with international policymakers, feminist activists, civil society representatives, and decision-makers working to advance gender equality and women’s rights. Selected fellows will receive financial support for international travel and accommodation, along with access to CSW meetings, networking opportunities, and tailored learning activities.

Fellowship Benefits

The Feminist Futures Fellowship offers the following benefits:

• International airfare: Round-trip international flights to attend CSW 71.
• Accommodation: Up to seven nights of accommodation in New York City.
• Local transportation: Transportation to and from departing and arriving airports.
• Travel insurance: Health and travel insurance coverage.
• Conference access: Support with CSW registration, accreditation, and access to meetings.
• Networking opportunities: Participation in networking events, bilateral and multilateral meetings, and informal exchanges.
• Learning and preparation: Introductory sessions and strategy workshops before the conference.
• International visibility: Fellow profiles and advocacy messages promoted through Heinrich Böll Foundation communication channels.
• Global network: Opportunities to connect with feminist leaders and organizations from different regions.

This is a fully funded fellowship for the specified travel and participation expenses. It does not advertise a salary or cash stipend.

Fellowship Theme

CSW 71 will focus on the priority theme:

“Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”

The fellowship aims to amplify underrepresented feminist perspectives, encourage intergenerational and cross-regional exchange, and strengthen participants’ ability to pursue policy and advocacy objectives.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should meet the following expectations:

• Be based in Latin America, Africa, Asia, or the Middle East.
• Have professional competency in English.
• Demonstrate experience, expertise, or active engagement in feminist movements, gender equality, women’s rights, or related advocacy.
• Be available to travel to the United States for a seven-day period during CSW 71 in March 2027.
• Be willing to participate in discussions, workshops, meetings, and networking activities.
• Be prepared to share insights and engage with the Foundation through social media before, during, and after the conference.

The Foundation reserves a specific number of places for young feminists aged 21–35 who have never attended a CSW session. More experienced applicants are also encouraged to apply. Partner organizations of the Heinrich Böll Foundation may apply and should indicate their connection to HBS.

Applicants from Nepal and other Asian countries can be considered, provided they meet the eligibility and experience requirements.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must prepare:

1. Resume: A maximum two-page US-format resume. Do not include a photograph or marital/family status. Applicants should indicate their age.
2. Motivational statement: A reflection of no more than 300 words addressing the biggest current challenge facing gender equality or women’s rights, the applicant’s proposed response, concrete actions already being taken, and how attending CSW 71 would help address these challenges.
3. Post-fellowship communication response: Within the motivational statement, applicants should confirm whether they would be willing to write a short article, commentary, or blog post after the fellowship. If yes, they should briefly suggest a possible topic or angle, with a maximum of 200 words for this response.

Fellowship Dates and Location

• Programme: Feminist Futures Fellowship – CSW 71
• Organizing institution: Heinrich Böll Foundation, Washington, DC
• Conference dates: March 8–19, 2027
• Fellowship travel: Seven days during the conference period
• Location: New York City, United States
• Application deadline: November 2, 2026

How to Apply

Interested applicants should prepare their two-page resume and motivational statement, including the post-fellowship writing response. Applications must be submitted through the official Heinrich Böll Foundation Washington, DC recruitment portal.

Official Application Link: https://usboell.bamboohr.com/careers/97

Applicants are encouraged to explain their practical contributions to feminist movements, demonstrate a clear understanding of gender equality challenges, and identify specific goals they hope to achieve through participation in CSW 71.

Application deadline: November 2, 2026.