Deadline: 28 July 2026
Applications are open for the Young Feminist AI School, a free, fully online UN Women programme for young people aged 18 to 30, with a strong focus on young women and girls.
Over 12 weeks (August–October 2026), participants learn to use AI for advocacy, policy influence, elections and information integrity, and civic technology, and to handle its risks responsibly. Everyone builds a real project: a campaign, a policy tool, a civic tech prototype or a participation action plan.
The School is practical from the first week. Participants spend most of each class doing rather than listening: testing AI tools, writing and checking prompts, and building toward a final project. By graduation, every participant produces one of four products: an advocacy campaign, a policy influence tool, a civic tech prototype or a democratic participation action plan. Nothing goes public until it passes a responsible AI and human rights review covering privacy, consent, bias, verification and human oversight.
The programme reaches young feminist activists, youth leaders, digital rights advocates, campaigners, student leaders and emerging technologists. At least 70 per cent of seats are held for young women and girls, and the School provides accessibility support, captions, low-bandwidth materials and recordings so that taking part does not depend on fast internet or a particular device. No coding background needed.
Who can apply?
Young people aged 18 to 30 from any country, with a strong focus on young women and girls. We look for people working on gender equality, youth leadership, civic engagement, advocacy or social justice. You do not need a technical background.
How much does it cost?
Nothing. The programme is free for selected participants.
When does it run, and how much time does it take?
From August to October 2026, over 12 weeks. Expect about four hours a week: one 2-hour live class plus roughly 2 hours of practical work. Classes are recorded, so you can catch up if you miss one.
Do I need to know how to code?
No. The School uses no-code and low-code tools, and it starts with the basics before moving into applied work.
Is it accessible? What language is it in?
Classes are in English, with plain-language summaries. We provide captions, recordings, screen-reader-friendly materials and low-bandwidth options. Tell us your access needs in the application and we will arrange support.
What will I make?
One graduation project: an advocacy campaign, a policy influence tool, a civic tech prototype or a democratic participation action plan. You can work alone or in a team.
How are participants selected?
A committee scores applications against clear criteria: commitment to gender equality, relevance to democratic participation and policy, learning motivation, project fit, multiplier potential, intersectional representation, availability and a safeguarding commitment. We also balance the cohort across regions and backgrounds.