WomenLeaders India Fellowship 2026–27: Fully Funded 10-Month Leadership Fellowship
What could your organisation do with ten months of focused leadership support and a network of 49 peers?
- FundingFully funded – “Cost: None” (individual items not itemised by…
- Duration10 months (6–8 hours per month)
- Who can applyIndian nationals living and working in India
- Application feeNo application fee stated by the host
Overview
Applications close on 11 November 2026 at 11:59 PM IST.
WomenLeaders India is a 10-month fellowship for 50 women driving change in India. It opens with an in-person convening in Mumbai, continues with webinars and community gatherings on the Vital Voices Community Hub, and closes with another in-person convening. Fellows also develop an SDG-aligned project.
What Will You Do?
- Attend the opening and closing in-person convenings.
- Join virtual sessions for about 6–8 hours per month.
- Develop an SDG-aligned project and track its progress.
At a glance
About
- Opportunity type
- Leadership fellowship
- Host organization
- Reliance Foundation, with Vital Voices Global Partnership
- Location
- India (in-person kickoff in Mumbai)
- Format / mode
- Hybrid: in-person opening and closing convenings, virtual sessions in between
- Duration
- 10 months (6–8 hours per month)
- Start date
- February 2027 (date to be confirmed)
- Gender
- Women
Funding
- Funding / financial support
- Fully funded – “Cost: None” (individual items not itemised by the host)
- Stipend / salary
- Not specified by the host
- Application fee
- No application fee stated by the host
Eligibility
- Nationality
- Indian nationals living and working in India
- Degree required
- Not specified by the host
- Age
- Not specified by the host
- Work experience
- At least 5 years in one of four thematic areas
- Fields / areas
- Women’s empowerment, children’s learning, youth skills, agriculture and rural livelihoods
Who can apply
- Nationality: Women who are Indian nationals and currently live and work in India.
- Experience: At least 5 years leading or contributing to initiatives in one of the four thematic areas.
- Social Entrepreneurs track: Founder or co-founder with at least 50% equity in an India-based social enterprise operating for 5+ years with at least 3 full-time staff (or equivalent).
- Social Sector Leaders track: CEO, president, executive director, VP or similar at an organisation registered with the Government of India with 5+ years of relevant activity.
- Language: At least intermediate written and spoken English.
- Degree and age: Not specified by the host.
- Other: Commitment to the SDGs, decision-making authority for your initiative, 6–8 hours a month, and progress tracking for up to 24 months after the programme.
What you get
- A fully funded fellowship – the host lists the cost as “None”.
- In-person convenings in India, including a kickoff in Mumbai.
- Webinars and community gatherings with Vital Voices.
- A cohort of 50 women leaders from across India.
Fields & areas
- Women’s empowerment and economic agency
- Children’s well-being and foundational learning
- Youth development, education and skills
- Agriculture, rural livelihoods and climate-resilient communities
Explore more leadership programmes in our fellowships section.
How to apply
- Pick your track: Social Entrepreneurs or Social Sector Leaders.
- Optionally join the online information session on 4 November 2026 at 6:00 PM IST.
- Complete the online application form before the deadline.
- Selected candidates hear back by the second week of December 2026; all applicants by the end of December.
Full details and FAQs are on the official Reliance Foundation page.
Frequently asked questions
What funding does the WomenLeaders India Fellowship 2026 provide?
Fully funded – “Cost: None” (individual items not itemised by the host).
Who can apply?
Nationality: Indian nationals living and working in India
Work experience: At least 5 years in one of four thematic areas
Work experience: At least 5 years in one of four thematic areas
Is there an application fee?
No application fee stated by the host
When is the deadline?
Application deadline: 11 November 2026, 11:59 PM IST
How do I apply?
Apply directly on the official website. Potenue lists opportunities but does not collect applications.
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