Deadline: 03-Jul-2026
Applications are now open for a three-day Capacity-Building Programme on Gender Equality and Women’s Participation for professionals from Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) partner countries working in gender equality, governance, women’s empowerment, and related sectors.
The programme aims to strengthen knowledge, skills, and practical approaches for advancing gender equality while promoting cross-regional learning between Asia and Europe. Participants will receive fully funded training in Kunming, China, including travel, accommodation, and meals.
About the Programme
The Capacity-Building Programme on Gender Equality and Women’s Participation is designed to enhance participants’ understanding of the barriers that limit women’s participation in social, political, and economic life.
The training addresses structural, institutional, social, and cultural challenges affecting gender equality and supports participants in developing practical tools and strategies that can be applied within their organizations and professional environments.
The programme also encourages knowledge exchange and collaboration among professionals from ASEM countries, fostering stronger regional cooperation on gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Focus Areas
The programme covers a range of topics related to gender equality and inclusive governance, including:
- Gender equality and women’s participation
- Women’s leadership and empowerment
- Gender analysis and assessment
- Gender-sensitive data collection and use
- Gender-disaggregated data analysis
- Gender-responsive budgeting
- Monitoring and evaluation approaches
- Gender mainstreaming in organizational policies
- Inclusive governance
- Sustainable development priorities
- Institutional reform and policy development
- Intersectional approaches to gender equality
- Cross-regional learning and cooperation
Purpose of the Programme
The programme aims to:
- Strengthen understanding of barriers to women’s participation
- Improve practical gender analysis skills
- Promote evidence-based policy and programme development
- Enhance the use of gender-sensitive and gender-disaggregated data
- Support gender-responsive budgeting practices
- Encourage gender mainstreaming across institutions
- Foster collaboration between professionals from Asia and Europe
- Promote inclusive and sustainable development outcomes
Programme Benefits
Selected participants will receive:
- Economy-class round-trip travel to Kunming, China
- Four nights of accommodation
- Check-in on 6 September 2026
- Check-out on 10 September 2026
- Meals during the programme
- Refreshments during training sessions
- Access to expert-led capacity-building activities
- Networking opportunities with professionals from ASEM countries
- Participation in a cultural visit
Expenses Not Covered
Participants are responsible for:
- Visa application fees
- Additional accommodation beyond the programme period
- Personal expenses
- Any other costs not specifically covered by the organizers
Training Components
The programme includes:
- Interactive training sessions
- Practical learning exercises
- Gender analysis workshops
- Policy and governance discussions
- Peer learning opportunities
- Cross-regional knowledge exchange
- Cultural activities
- Pre-training assessment
- Post-training assessment
- Action planning for professional application
Eligible Applicants
Applicants must:
- Be citizens of eligible ASEM partner countries
- Work in fields related to gender equality, governance, or women’s empowerment
- Have professional experience relevant to the programme themes
- Demonstrate working proficiency in English
Eligible Sectors
Applications are encouraged from professionals working in:
- Government institutions
- Civil society organizations
- Academic and research institutions
- Private sector organizations
- Policy and governance bodies
- Advocacy organizations
- Development organizations
Priority Applicants
The programme particularly prioritizes individuals involved in:
- Policy development and influence
- Programme design and implementation
- Institutional reform initiatives
- Gender equality advocacy
- Research and evidence generation
- Public dialogue and awareness activities
- Women’s empowerment programmes
Selection Criteria
Participants will be selected based on:
- Professional relevance to the programme theme
- Experience in gender equality-related work
- Potential to apply learning in professional settings
- Ability to contribute to policy or institutional change
- Capacity to support advocacy and awareness efforts
- Commitment to advancing gender equality
Participant Responsibilities
Selected participants are expected to:
- Attend all programme sessions
- Participate actively in training activities
- Complete pre-training assessments
- Complete post-training assessments
- Engage in group discussions and exercises
- Attend the cultural visit
- Apply learning within their professional contexts
Why This Programme Matters
Gender equality remains a key priority for sustainable development and inclusive governance worldwide.
This programme helps professionals strengthen their ability to identify barriers to women’s participation, develop evidence-based solutions, and integrate gender-responsive approaches into policies, programmes, and institutional practices. By bringing together participants from Asia and Europe, it also promotes international cooperation and the sharing of effective strategies for advancing gender equality.
Application Tips
Strong applications typically demonstrate:
- Relevant professional experience
- Active involvement in gender equality initiatives
- Clear understanding of gender-related challenges
- Interest in policy or institutional change
- Ability to apply learning in professional settings
- Commitment to advancing women’s participation
- Strong communication skills
- Willingness to share knowledge with others
Common Application Mistakes
Applications may be weakened by:
- Limited connection to gender equality work
- Unclear professional responsibilities
- Lack of demonstrated impact or engagement
- Incomplete application materials
- Weak explanation of how the training will be applied
- Insufficient English proficiency
- Failure to meet eligibility requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the programme?
- Citizens of eligible ASEM partner countries.
- Professionals working in government, civil society, academia, research, private sector, or related organizations focused on gender equality, governance, or women’s empowerment.
What costs are covered by the programme?
- Economy-class travel to and from Kunming.
- Four nights of accommodation.
- Meals and refreshments during the training.
- Participation in programme activities.
What expenses must participants cover themselves?
- Visa fees.
- Additional accommodation costs.
- Personal expenses.
- Any costs not covered by the organizers.
When will the programme take place?
- Participants will check in on 6 September 2026.
- Participants will check out on 10 September 2026.
- The training itself lasts three days.
Is English proficiency required?
- Yes.
- Applicants must have working proficiency in English.
Which professional backgrounds are eligible?
- Government institutions.
- Civil society organizations.
- Academic and research institutions.
- Private sector organizations.
- Advocacy and development organizations.
Are participants required to attend all sessions?
- Yes.
- Selected participants must attend all training activities, assessments, discussions, and the cultural visit.
Conclusion
The Capacity-Building Programme on Gender Equality and Women’s Participation offers a valuable opportunity for professionals from ASEM countries to strengthen their expertise in gender-responsive policy, governance, and institutional practice. Through fully funded participation, practical training, and international networking, the programme equips participants with the knowledge and tools needed to advance women’s participation and gender equality in their respective fields and communities.
For more information, visit Asia-Europe Foundation.