Applications are now Open for FORWARD – Young Women’s Advisory Council (YWAC) 2026

Application Deadline: July 31, 2026

About the Opportunity

FORWARD is excited to be recruiting young women (18–30 years) from African, Black, and Minoritised communities to join our Young Women’s Advisory Council (YWAC). This is a great opportunity to help FORWARD drive the next chapter in our organisation’s strategy. YWAC members ensure that the voices of young women are at the centre of our Youth Programme’s operations and services. FORWARD is the African women-led organisation working to end violence against women and girls (VAWG). From female genital mutilation and child marriage to domestic and sexual violence, we tackle abuse and discrimination – enabling African women and girls to have the dignity, health, and equality they deserve. YWAC is an integral part of FORWARD’s organisational structure, our Young Women’s Leadership Programme, and FORWARD Youth Hub activities.

What Does YWAC Represent?

YWAC members are FORWARD ambassadors, leaders, and change-makers. Each of us has different skills, experiences, and reasons why we are so passionate about transforming the lives of girls and women. We come together to collectively apply our experiences and make a positive difference in our lives, as well as the lives of the other BAME women and girls we reach.

Responsibilities

Working closely with Youth Programme staff, YWAC members take on various important responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Providing strategic advice and guidance
• Leading the advocacy and campaign work of Youth Hub activities
• Representing FORWARD at events
• Participating in consultations and research on issues affecting young BAME women

Roles We Are Recruiting

• Co-chairs (x2)
• Secretary
• Operations Officer
• Finance and Fundraising Officer
• Communications Officer
• Outreach Officer

Who We Are Looking For

We are keen to hear from you if you are:

• From an African, Black, and/or minoritised community living in the UK
• Passionate about dignity, rights, and equality for women and girls
• Confident and unapologetic to demand and advocate for your rights
• A good communicator and team player
• Open to learning and development
• Able to volunteer at least one day per month for YWAC activities
• Filled with creative and new ideas

What Do You Get from Joining YWAC?

• Opportunity to pursue your passion and to make a difference to women and girls’ lives
• Opportunity to advocate against VAWG and other issues that affect BME women
• Opportunity to build your leadership, public speaking, and project development skills
• Opportunity for training and personal development
• Opportunity to co-design programmes, facilitate sessions, and deliver youth events
• Opportunity to connect with other like-minded activists and build sisterhood for life

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a 300-word supporting statement (please mention which role you would like to apply for) to forward@forwarduk.org.uk. Please title your email ‘YWAC Application 2026.’

Application Deadline

Thursday, July 31, 2026, 12:00 PM (BST)

Important Note

This is a voluntary role; however, a stipend is available for related activities.

Why This Opportunity Matters

The Young Women’s Advisory Council is an integral part of FORWARD’s organisational structure, ensuring that the voices of young women are at the centre of the Youth Programme’s operations and services. By joining YWAC, young women from African, Black, and minoritised communities have the opportunity to:

• Shape FORWARD’s strategy and direction
• Advocate against violence against women and girls
• Build leadership, public speaking, and project development skills
• Co-design programmes and deliver youth events
• Connect with like-minded activists and build lasting sisterhood

For young women aged 18–30 from African, Black, and minoritised communities living in the UK, this is a unique opportunity to contribute to ending violence against women and girls while developing valuable skills and experience.

For More Information: Visit the Official FORWARD Website