About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
Global Women Connect Mentoring Programme 2026–2027 | Free Online Mentorship for Women Leaders
Applications are open for the Global Women Connect Mentoring Programme 2026–2027, a free online mentorship opportunity designed to support women leaders and aspiring leaders in the humanitarian, development and social-impact sectors.
The programme creates meaningful mentoring relationships in which mentors and mentees learn from one another, strengthen their leadership abilities and explore practical ways to address professional challenges. Priority is given to participants based in the Global South, including those working in resource-limited or crisis-affected settings.
Running for 9 to 12 months, the programme offers flexible online mentoring conversations every four to six weeks, alongside supporting webinars and learning opportunities.
Application Deadline: October 16, 2026
Programme Overview
Programme Name: Global Women Connect Mentoring Programme
Organising Organisation: Global Women Connect
Opportunity Type: Mentorship and leadership development
Duration: 9–12 months
Delivery Mode: Fully online
Participation Fee: Free
Target Participants: Women leaders, aspiring leaders and experienced women managers in relevant sectors
Priority Regions: Global South
Deadline: October 16, 2026
About the Global Women Connect Mentoring Programme
The Global Women Connect Mentoring Programme supports women working to create positive change in humanitarian response, international development and social-impact initiatives.
At the heart of the programme is a collaborative relationship between a mentor and a mentee. Rather than following a fixed agenda, the mentoring process is mentee-led: mentees identify their goals, challenges and areas for growth, while mentors provide guidance, encouragement and a reflective space to explore solutions.
The programme recognises that effective mentoring benefits both participants. Mentees gain opportunities to strengthen their leadership and professional capabilities, while mentors develop their mentoring skills, broaden their perspectives and learn through shared experiences.
Delivered entirely online, the programme enables participants to connect across geographical boundaries and time zones.
Benefits of the Programme
The programme offers different development opportunities depending on whether you apply as a mentee or a mentor.
Benefits for Mentees
Mentees can benefit from:
Leadership development: Strengthen management and leadership capabilities.
Personal growth: Identify strengths, explore ambitions and unlock professional potential.
Greater resilience: Develop approaches for navigating workplace challenges and uncertainty.
Improved effectiveness: Build skills that support better performance and professional decision-making.
Supportive mentoring: Discuss opportunities and challenges with an experienced leader.
Professional reflection: Gain dedicated time to evaluate goals and plan future development.
Benefits for Mentors
Mentors can benefit from:
Mentoring and coaching skills: Develop the ability to guide and support other professionals.
Reflective practice: Improve self-awareness by learning through mentoring conversations.
Problem-solving skills: Explore different approaches to professional and organisational challenges.
Decision-making: Strengthen judgement through reflection and shared learning.
Emotional intelligence: Develop greater awareness of interpersonal relationships and leadership dynamics.
Peer learning: Participate in ongoing learning and exchange opportunities.
Flexible Online Participation
The programme is delivered fully online, making it accessible to participants in different countries.
Mentoring conversations take place every four to six weeks, supported by webinars and additional learning activities. Participation is free, although applicants should confirm any personal internet or connectivity costs that may apply.
Eligibility Requirements
The programme welcomes applications from eligible women leaders and professionals interested in leadership development and mentoring.
Eligibility for Mentees
Applicants seeking a mentor should:
Be a current or aspiring leader in the humanitarian, development or social-impact sectors.
Have professional ambitions, challenges or leadership goals they would like to explore through mentoring.
Be willing to participate in a collaborative, mentee-led mentoring relationship.
Be prepared to engage in the programme's online mentoring conversations and supporting activities.
Priority is given to leaders based in the Global South, particularly those working in resource-limited or crisis-affected environments.
Eligibility for Mentors
Applicants interested in becoming mentors should:
Be experienced women leaders or managers in the humanitarian, development or social-impact sectors.
Have an interest in supporting the professional and leadership development of other women.
Be willing to share experience, ask reflective questions and help mentees explore solutions to their challenges.
Be interested in ongoing learning and development through the programme's Learning and Exchange group.
Being bilingual in English, French, Arabic or Spanish is considered an advantage but is not compulsory, according to the supplied announcement.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should follow these steps:
Decide which role suits you: Apply as a mentee if you want guidance and leadership development, or as a mentor if you have relevant experience and want to support other women leaders.
Access the official application form: Visit the Global Women Connect website or official programme page to locate the application instructions.
Reflect on your experience and goals: Consider your professional background, ambitions, challenges and what you hope to gain or contribute.
Answer the application questions in your own words: The organisers use your responses to understand your needs and match mentors and mentees appropriately.
Submit your application before the deadline: Ensure that you complete all required sections and follow the official submission instructions.
Important Application Advice
The organisers specifically encourage applicants to respond in their own words and language rather than submitting AI-generated or copied answers.
Take time to explain your actual experiences, leadership goals, challenges and motivations. Authentic, thoughtful responses can help the organisers understand your needs and identify a suitable mentoring match.
Application Deadline
October 16, 2026
Interested women leaders and experienced professionals should submit their applications before the deadline. Because the programme aims to create suitable mentoring partnerships, applicants should clearly explain their interests, expectations and relevant experience.
Official Application Information
To access the application form and confirm the latest programme details, visit the organisation's official website or programme page.
Organisation: Global Women Connect
The supplied announcement does not include a direct application URL. Confirm the official programme link and submission instructions before applying.
Final Note
The Global Women Connect Mentoring Programme is an opportunity for women in humanitarian, development and social-impact work to strengthen their leadership, learn from experienced professionals and build meaningful mentoring relationships.
Whether you are an emerging leader seeking guidance or an experienced woman manager ready to mentor others, the programme offers a structured space for mutual learning and professional growth.
How to apply