Feminist Futures Fellowship 2027: Funded CSW71 Exchange in New York

The Heinrich Böll Foundation Washington, DC is accepting applications for the Feminist Futures Fellowship: A Global Majority Exchange at the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW71). The fellowship supports feminist experts from the Global Majority to participate in international discussions, build connections and advance their policy and advocacy work.

CSW71 takes place in New York City from 8–19 March 2027. Selected fellows must be available for a seven-day visit during the conference period. The exact fellowship travel dates will be set after the CSW programme is announced.

What the fellowship covers

• International flights and transport to the departing and arriving airports.
• Up to seven nights of accommodation in New York City.
• Health and travel insurance.
• Support with conference registration, accreditation and access.
• Introductory sessions, strategy workshops, networking events and meetings.
• Access to the global Heinrich Böll Foundation network and opportunities to share fellows’ expertise.

The Foundation will also promote selected fellows through its social media channels and publish participant profiles. A separate cash stipend is not specified in the listing.

Who can apply?

The 2027 call seeks feminist experts and leaders based in Latin America, Africa, Asia or the Middle East. Professional competency in English is required, along with availability to travel to the United States for the fellowship period.

Some places are reserved for young feminists aged 21–35 who have not previously attended CSW. More experienced applicants are also considered. The programme aims to encourage intergenerational and cross-regional learning.

Heinrich Böll Foundation partner organizations, with or without prior CSW experience, are encouraged to apply and explain their connection to the Foundation.

What fellows are expected to do

• Prepare a short strategy or statement setting out the goals they want to achieve at CSW.
• Share expertise and insights at public and private events, workshops and meetings.
• Attend the meetings and exchanges organized by the Heinrich Böll Foundation.
• Engage with the Foundation through social media before, during and after CSW, sharing concise messages and lessons from the experience.
• Contribute to an ongoing network of feminist leaders and advocates.

Fellows may choose relevant CSW and NGO side events, while fulfilling the Foundation’s programme commitments. They may also be invited to write an article, commentary or blog post after the exchange.

Application materials

• Resume: A standard US-style resume of no more than two pages, without a photograph or marital/family status. Include your age because some places are reserved for applicants aged 21–35.
• Challenge or motivational statement: A reflection of no more than 300 words on the biggest current challenge facing gender equality or women’s rights, how you propose to address it, concrete action you are taking, and how CSW participation would help.
• Post-fellowship communications response: State whether you would be willing to write an article, commentary or blog post after the fellowship. If so, suggest a possible topic or angle in no more than 200 words, following the application instructions.

How to apply

1. Review the fellowship commitments and confirm your regional eligibility and travel availability.
2. Prepare your resume and written responses within the stated limits.
3. Open the application listing below and select Apply for This Job to access the fellowship application.
4. Complete and submit your application by 2 November 2026.

Apply for the Feminist Futures Fellowship ↗

Questions can be sent to Carla.Adams@us.boell.org or Mariama.Balde@us.boell.org.