ASEF Capacity-Building on Gender Equality and Women’s Participation 2026 in China

Applications are now open for the ASEF Capacity-Building on Gender Equality and Women’s Participation 2026, a fully funded international training program that will bring together professionals from Asia and Europe to strengthen gender-responsive governance, women’s leadership, and inclusive development. The program will take place in Kunming, China, from 7–9 September 2026 and is organized by the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) in collaboration with the Foreign Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Yunnan Province.

The three-day in-person training will engage approximately 20 participants from ASEM partner countries and provide practical tools, policy insights, and cross-regional learning opportunities focused on advancing gender equality and increasing women’s participation in leadership and decision-making processes. Program Overview

• Host Organization: Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF)
• Program Name: Capacity-Building on Gender Equality and Women’s Participation 2026
• Location: Kunming, China
• Dates: 7–9 September 2026
• Duration: 3 Days
• Number of Participants: Approximately 20
• Funding: Fully Funded
• Application Deadline: 3 July 2026 (23:59 Singapore Time)

About the Program

The training is designed to place women’s participation at the center of inclusive governance and sustainable development. The program recognizes gender equality as a critical cross-cutting issue that supports progress across multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including climate action, peace and security, social inclusion, and institutional development. Participants will gain practical knowledge and tools to integrate gender perspectives into policymaking, advocacy, institutional practice, and community-based initiatives. The training emphasizes interactive learning, peer exchange, and real-world applications that participants can implement within their own organizations and communities.

Program Objectives

Participants will develop:

• A deeper understanding of structural, social, cultural, and institutional barriers affecting women’s participation and leadership.
• Skills in gender analysis and gender-responsive policymaking.
• Knowledge of gender-sensitive and gender-disaggregated data collection and utilization.
• Practical understanding of gender-responsive budgeting.
• Capacity to monitor and evaluate gender equality initiatives.
• Strategies to promote women’s leadership across sectors.
• Action plans to implement gender equality initiatives within their institutions and communities.

Benefits

Selected participants will receive:

Fully Funded International Participation

The organizers will cover:

• Economy-class round-trip airfare (subject to reimbursement ceilings).
• Four nights of accommodation in Kunming, China.
• Participation in all training sessions and activities.
• Access to international experts and practitioners.
• Networking opportunities with professionals from Asia and Europe.
• Learning materials and training resources.

Who Can Apply?

The program is open to applicants from eligible ASEM partner countries who are actively involved in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Primary applicants include:

• Government officials
• Representatives of ministries and commissions focused on women’s affairs
• Gender focal points within public institutions
• Members of inter-ministerial working groups
• Civil society and NGO representatives working on gender issues

Secondary applicants may include:

• Researchers and academics
• University representatives
• Private sector professionals involved in gender equality initiatives
• Development practitioners and policy experts.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be citizens of eligible ASEM partner countries.
• Possess working proficiency in English.
• Be actively involved in policy, advocacy, research, program design, or institutional practice related to gender equality.
• Be in positions where they can influence policy, public dialogue, institutional practices, or development programs.
• Demonstrate commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s participation.

Important Note

Students without relevant professional work experience are not eligible to apply. Applicants must also submit an organizational endorsement or nomination letter as part of their application.

Training Format

The program will feature:

• Interactive workshops
• Expert-led sessions
• Group discussions
• Practical exercises
• Peer-to-peer learning
• Case studies
• Networking opportunities

The training methodology emphasizes participatory learning and practical application of gender equality tools and approaches.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must prepare:

• Completed online application form
• Organizational endorsement or nomination letter
• Supporting professional information and experience details

The endorsement letter must be written in English and explain how participation aligns with the organization’s priorities and activities.

Why Apply?

This program offers a valuable opportunity for professionals working in governance, public policy, civil society, research, and development to strengthen their expertise in gender equality and women’s participation. Participants will join a diverse international network of leaders and practitioners committed to creating more inclusive and equitable societies across Asia and Europe.

The training also provides practical tools and actionable strategies that participants can immediately apply in their organizations, helping to accelerate progress toward gender equality and sustainable development goals. Application Deadline

3 July 2026 (23:59 Singapore Time) (Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF))

Opportunity Summary

• Host: Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF)
• Location: Kunming, China
• Dates: 7–9 September 2026
• Duration: 3 Days
• Funding: Fully Funded
• Eligible Countries: ASEM Partner Countries
• Eligible Applicants: Government Officials, Civil Society Leaders, Researchers, Academics, and Gender Equality Advocates
• Deadline: 3 July 2026