Applications are now open for the ASEF Capacity Building Program on Gender Equality and Women’s Participation 2026, a fully funded international training opportunity scheduled to take place in Kunming, China, from 7–9 September 2026.
Organized by the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF), this prestigious program aims to strengthen the skills and knowledge of professionals, policymakers, researchers, civil society leaders, and advocates working to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment across Asia and Europe.
Hosted by the Foreign Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Yunnan Province and supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, the training will provide participants with practical tools and strategies to promote women’s leadership, participation, and inclusive governance.
Program Overview
The three-day training program will bring together around 20 participants from ASEM partner countries for a series of interactive workshops, expert presentations, case studies, and peer-learning sessions.
Participants will explore innovative and practical approaches to addressing gender inequalities, strengthening women’s participation in decision-making processes, and integrating gender-responsive practices into policies, programs, and institutions.
The program encourages cross-regional collaboration, allowing participants to share experiences, discuss common challenges, and develop solutions that can be implemented in their respective organizations and communities.
Program Objectives
The ASEF Capacity Building Program seeks to:
- Increase understanding of social, cultural, and institutional barriers that limit women’s participation and leadership.
- Strengthen participants’ skills in gender analysis and gender-sensitive data utilization.
- Introduce practical tools for gender-responsive planning, budgeting, implementation, and monitoring.
- Support the integration of gender equality into organizational policies and development programs.
- Promote knowledge exchange and collaboration among stakeholders from Asia and Europe.
- Encourage the development of actionable strategies that advance women’s leadership and participation.
Training Activities
Participants will engage in:
- Interactive training sessions
- Practical workshops
- Group discussions
- Case study reviews
- Peer-learning exchanges
- Knowledge-sharing forums
The program adopts a highly participatory learning approach, ensuring that participants gain practical insights that can be applied directly to their professional work.
Program Benefits
Selected participants will receive full financial support, including:
- Round-trip economy-class international airfare (subject to ASEF reimbursement guidelines)
- Four nights of accommodation in Kunming, China
- Meals during the program
- Local transportation related to official activities
- Full access to training sessions, workshops, and networking events
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be citizens of eligible ASEM partner countries.
- Be actively engaged in fields related to gender equality, women’s empowerment, governance, advocacy, public policy, education, research, social development, or community engagement.
- Hold positions that influence policy, institutional practices, advocacy efforts, research, or public participation.
- Demonstrate proficiency in English.
- Show a strong commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.
- Be available to participate fully in all program activities.
Priority will be given to applicants working in government agencies, civil society organizations, development institutions, research centers, and organizations promoting gender equality and women’s participation.
Not Eligible
The following individuals are not eligible to apply:
- Independent consultants
- Students without relevant professional experience
Required Documents
Applicants must submit:
- A completed online application form
- An organizational endorsement or nomination letter
Endorsement Letter Requirements
The endorsement letter must:
- Be written in English
- Be issued on official organizational letterhead or sent from an official organizational email address
- Explain how participation in the program aligns with the organization’s goals, priorities, and ongoing activities
Eligible Countries
Applicants from the following ASEM partner countries are eligible:
Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Cambodia, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Lao PDR, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mongolia, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian Federation, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom, and Viet Nam.
Program Details
- Host Organization: Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF)
- Program Location: Kunming, China
- Program Dates: 7–9 September 2026
- Funding Type: Fully Funded
- Benefits: Airfare, accommodation, meals, local transportation, training sessions, and networking opportunities
- Eligible Regions: Asia and Europe (ASEM Partner Countries)
- Application Deadline: 3 July 2026 (23:59 Singapore Time)
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their applications before the deadline of 3 July 2026. Read the full details and apply through the official application portal below.
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY
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