Girls for the Boardroom Fellowship 2026
Applications are now open for the Girls for the Boardroom (G4B) Fellowship 2026, a global leadership and mentorship programme created to prepare girls and young women to become confident leaders, innovators, decision-makers and changemakers.
The fellowship offers a structured ten-week learning experience for girls and young women between the ages of 13 and 25. It combines leadership development, one-to-one mentorship, governance exposure, community impact experience and opportunities to learn alongside a global community of peers and mentors.
Young women who are passionate about leadership, innovation, personal development and positive community change are encouraged to apply before the deadline.
About the Girls for the Boardroom Fellowship
Girls for the Boardroom, also known as G4B, is a leadership and mentorship initiative focused on equipping girls and young women with the knowledge, confidence, exposure and practical experience required to participate in leadership and decision-making.
The programme recognises the importance of preparing young women to lead in their schools, communities, organisations, businesses and other spaces where important decisions are made. It provides participants with opportunities to develop their leadership abilities while learning how governance, innovation and community impact work in practice.
Rather than concentrating only on theoretical learning, the fellowship introduces participants to leadership development, mentoring relationships, governance exposure and community impact projects.
Participants will also become part of a wider learning community made up of other young women who share an interest in leadership, innovation and positive change.
Benefits
Selected participants will receive several benefits during and after the programme.
Leadership Development
Fellows will participate in leadership development activities intended to strengthen their confidence, decision-making ability and capacity to lead with purpose.
This component will support participants in understanding leadership as a responsibility that requires continuous learning, personal discipline, effective communication and commitment to positive outcomes.
One-to-One Mentorship
Participants will receive one-to-one mentorship as part of the fellowship.
The mentorship component provides an opportunity for fellows to receive personalised guidance, ask questions, discuss their development and learn from the perspectives and experiences of mentors.
One-to-one mentorship can also help participants identify their strengths, clarify their leadership goals and become more intentional about their personal and professional growth.
Global Learning Community
Selected fellows will join a global learning community of girls and young women.
This community will allow participants to connect with peers from different backgrounds, exchange experiences and learn from a range of perspectives.
Since applications are open to candidates from all countries, the fellowship provides an opportunity for participants to engage with a diverse international network.
Community Impact Project Experience
Participants will gain experience through community impact projects.
This practical component will enable fellows to apply their leadership learning to an issue, need or opportunity within a community. It also encourages participants to understand that leadership should produce meaningful and positive results.
Community impact project experience can help fellows develop skills in planning, collaboration, problem-solving, implementation and reflection.
Boardroom and Governance Exposure
The fellowship will provide participants with exposure to boardroom and governance environments.
This is an important part of the programme because many young women have limited opportunities to learn how leadership and governance structures operate.
The exposure will help fellows build a clearer understanding of decision-making, responsibility, accountability and participation within leadership structures.
Certificate of Fellowship Completion
Participants who successfully complete the fellowship will receive a certificate of completion.
The certificate will recognise their participation in the ten-week leadership and mentorship programme.
Applicants should understand that successful completion will require active commitment to the programme and its relevant activities.
Access to the Girls for the Boardroom Global Leadership Summit
Fellows will receive access to the Girls for the Boardroom Global Leadership Summit.
The summit offers an additional opportunity for participants to engage with leadership ideas, interact with other members of the G4B community and broaden their exposure to conversations around leadership and positive change.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Age Requirement
Applicants must be girls or young women between the ages of 13 and 25 years.
Candidates should ensure that they meet the stated age requirement before submitting an application.
Interest in Leadership and Innovation
Applicants should be passionate about leadership and innovation.
They should demonstrate an interest in developing their ability to lead, contribute ideas, make decisions and support positive change.
Previous experience in a formal leadership role is not listed as a requirement. However, applicants should be able to communicate their interest in leadership and their willingness to grow.
Commitment to Positive Change
Candidates should have an interest in creating positive change.
This may include a desire to address challenges, contribute to their communities, support others, develop innovative ideas or participate in initiatives that improve people’s lives.
Applicants should reflect carefully on the type of change they want to create and how the fellowship could support their leadership journey.
Commitment to Personal Growth
Applicants must be committed to personal growth.
The fellowship is intended for young women who are willing to learn, reflect, receive mentorship and improve their leadership capacity.
A strong applicant should be ready to participate actively, engage with the programme’s activities and make productive use of the opportunities provided.
Interest in Community Impact
Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to community impact.
The programme includes community impact project experience, so applicants should be interested in applying their learning to practical action.
Community impact does not necessarily require a large or highly funded project. It can begin with identifying a need, developing a realistic response and working with others to create positive results.
Country of Application
The Girls for the Boardroom Fellowship is open to applicants from all countries.
There is no country-specific restriction stated in the programme information. Eligible girls and young women from Africa and other parts of the world may therefore submit applications.
Application Deadline: 7 August 2026.
Also Read: Other Opportunities to Apply
