Women across the world continue to break barriers, lead change, and build meaningful careers across different sectors. From leadership and entrepreneurship to technology, advocacy, research, education, and social impact, these global opportunities are designed to support women with the funding, networks, training, visibility, and platforms they need to grow. Here are 10 currently open global opportunities for women across various professions as of April 27, 2026. Explore the list, check your eligibility, and apply before the deadlines.
1. UNDP African Academy for Women in Political Leadership 2026 (Fully-funded)
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the African School of Governance (ASG), the African Union Commission (AUC) and the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), have opened applications for the inaugural cohort of the African Academy for Women in Political Leadership, a continental programme designed to build the next generation of women who govern Africa.
Click here to apply | Deadline: May 15
2. ACARE African Women in Science Program 2026
The African Center for Aquatic Research and Education (ACARE) African Women in Science program is a transformative initiative for early-career African women scientists from the African Great Lakes region. The program aims to build capacity and offer mentorship opportunities for African women scientists who are actively engaged in African Great Lakes and freshwater research.
Click here to apply | Deadline: May 8
3. Cartier Women’s Initiative Science & Technology Pioneer Award 2027 (up to $100,000)
The Science & Technology Pioneer Award recognizes women impact entrepreneurs at the forefront of scientific and technological innovation. This award highlights disruptive solutions built around unique, protected, or hard-to-reproduce technological or scientific advances that require heavy research and development (R&D), a long commercialization cycle, high capital intensity, technology risk, and complexity.
Click here to apply | Deadline: Jun. 16
4. Standard Chartered Foundation Women in Tech Accelerator 2026
The Standard Chartered Foundation’s Women in Tech Accelerator supports impact-creating, tech-enabled, women-led startups in building thriving businesses across Africa, the Middle East, and Pakistan.
Village Capital partners with supports local implementing partners in each market to strengthen program delivery through strategic guidance, technical assistance, and shared learning frameworks, ensuring founders receive high-quality, locally tailored support.
Click here to apply | Deadline: Varies by Country
5. Sony Women in Technology Award with Nature 2027
The programme recognizes and celebrates the remarkable women spearheading advancements in technology, driving positive change for society and the planet. By spotlighting their achievements, they hope to inspire and empower the next generation of women in technology.
Click here to apply | Deadline: June 5
6. L’Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science Sub-Saharan Africa Programme 2026
Starting in 2026, L’Oréal and UNESCO are breaking down borders to create a single, prestigious community of excellence. The South African National Programme and the Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Programme have officially merged to become the unified L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Sub-Saharan Africa Programme.
Click here to apply| Deadline: May 15
7. Canada’s Top 100 Women to Watch Award 2026
The Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch celebrates and recognizes exceptional women who are shaping the future of Canada through leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, and community impact. This national recognition highlights trailblazers across industries who are breaking barriers, uplifting communities, and inspiring the next generation of leaders. The initiative is designed to elevate women who are driving change, creating opportunities, and advancing excellence in business, leadership, and service.
Click here to apply | Deadline: May 1
8. Women Impact Web Grant 2026
Launching as part of the Bombshell Impact Design Agency’s Women’s History Month 2026 Edition, this grant will award one women-led social impact organization a fully custom, professionally designed website—completely free. The recipient will receive a strategic, high-performing digital presence built to amplify their story, strengthen stakeholder trust, and fuel sustainable growth.
Click here to apply | Deadline: May 10
9. D-Prize 2026 for Early-stage Entrepreneurs (up to $20,000)
D-Prize is a global seed funding program that supports early-stage entrepreneurs building ventures to distribute proven, evidence-based solutions to reduce poverty. It offers up to $20,000 in funding (average ~$16,000) to help founders launch scalable social impact organizations. The program focuses on implementation and distribution of existing solutions rather than developing new or untested products.
Click here to apply | Deadline: May 17
10. Mama Cash Solidarity Fund 2026 (up to €40,000)
As the world’s first international women’s fund, Mama Cash is deeply committed to strengthening the feminist funding ecosystem in general, and the women’s funds community in particular. Launched in early 2020, the Solidarity Fund is a dedicated pot of funding intended for the strengthening of women’s funds.
Click here to apply | Deadline: April 30
