Deadline: 20-Jul-2025
The UNESCO Regional Office for West Africa has announced a call for expressions of interest to find inspiring women working in culture, creativity, and heritage across the region. This initiative is part of the Culture for Girls program, which promotes gender equality in the cultural sectors of West Africa. The program supports the inclusion and professional growth of girls and women by improving their access to rights, education, employment, and development opportunities.
The main goal is to identify and promote women in cultural and creative industries and heritage work, while also expanding UNESCO’s regional network of women cultural professionals. This effort also aims to strengthen the recognition of women’s rights in the sector, addressing challenges like poor working conditions, unequal pay, limited access to education, violence, and social stigma. By bringing these issues into public discussion, UNESCO hopes to encourage reform and positive change.
The organization also works to boost the visibility of women creators and highlight their contributions. Many talented women remain underrepresented, not because they don’t exist, but because they lack proper exposure. By giving them the platform they deserve, UNESCO hopes to inspire other women and girls, especially in traditional societies, and help them make informed choices about their future.
To be eligible, applicants must be women of any generation from one of the following countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, or Togo. They must also have at least five years of experience in cultural, creative, or heritage-related professions and be involved in relevant artistic, educational, or community activities. While the focus is on West African nationals, other African candidates may also apply, though priority will be given to those from the listed countries.
Applicants are required to submit a CV, a brief biography describing their background and key achievements (maximum 500 characters), and one or two visuals showcasing their work or productions.
For more information, visit UNESCO.