Apply for Land is Life – Indigenous Women’s Program Fellowship 2027 – Cohort V (Up to $3,600 in Stipends)

Application Deadline: September 24, 2026

About the Fellowship

The Indigenous Women’s Program Fellowship 2027 – Cohort V is a year-long fellowship that nurtures the next generation of Indigenous women leaders by supporting those who are taking innovative steps that contribute to gender equality, the well-being of their communities, and the recognition of their land and resource rights. Through the Fellowship Program, over 15 women have successfully implemented their projects in their communities. Land is Life launched the Indigenous Women’s Program in 2022. Designed and led by Indigenous women, the program supports Indigenous women and their organisations in Africa, Asia and throughout the Americas in effectively asserting their individual and collective rights to access, use and control land and natural resources; to improve their livelihoods; and to promote and protect their peoples’ entitlements. The Program has provided Indigenous women leaders with funding, direct support (including stipends), as well as mentorship and training opportunities. This support has led to many women’s participation in international spaces.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will receive:

• Personalized mentoring from Indigenous women leaders with proven experience advancing Indigenous Peoples’ rights
• Funding and technical support (up to $3,000 USD) to design and implement a community-level project
• A stipend of $3,600 USD to support participation throughout the program
• Knowledge sharing through bimonthly trainings on key topics related to Indigenous Peoples’ rights
• Leadership development to strengthen Indigenous women’s voices and decision-making power
• Networking opportunities to build or strengthen alliances with local, regional, and global partners and allies
• Advocacy support to participate in national and international decision-making spaces

Why This Fellowship Matters

The Land is Life Indigenous Women’s Program Fellowship addresses the systemic barriers that Indigenous women face in asserting their rights to land, resources, and self-determination. By providing funding, mentorship, and leadership development, the fellowship empowers Indigenous women to become effective advocates for their communities and to participate in decision-making spaces at local, national, and international levels. For Indigenous women aged 18–35 who are committed to gender equality and Indigenous Peoples’ rights, this fellowship offers:

• A year-long leadership development program
• Up to $3,600 in stipends and $3,000 in project funding
• Personalized mentoring from experienced Indigenous women leaders
• Training and advocacy support to strengthen rights and decision-making power
• Networking opportunities with global allies and partners

Eligibility Requirements

• Open to Indigenous women who are between 18 and 35 years old
• To broaden access to advanced learning opportunities, priority will be given to Indigenous women who do not hold a master’s or doctoral degree
• Applicants must be able to speak fluently in English, French, or Spanish
• The applicant must not have been a former Land is Life fellow
• Priority will be given to candidates from countries that have not been previously selected to participate in The Indigenous Women’s Fellowship Program

Countries previously represented: Indonesia, Tanzania, Panama, Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, Kenya, Mali, Philippines, Democratic Republic of Congo, Nepal, Mexico, Bolivia

How to Apply

Step 1: Fill out the application form

Step 2: Develop a community project that promotes the rights of Indigenous Peoples, with explicit consideration to the rights of Indigenous women and girls. The applicant’s community project proposal should align with the aforementioned central themes of the Program

Step 3: Provide a letter of recommendation from an Indigenous Peoples organization, representative/chief from the applicant’s territory, or equivalent official source

For candidates with little to no internet access: Begin by sending an email to fellowships@landislife.org. Include that you are experiencing difficulties filling out the form and request to receive the application questions via email. Once questions are received, prepare responses and send a follow-up email to fellowships@landislife.org. Applications must be submitted before the application deadline. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Click here to apply

For More Information: Visit the Official Land is Life Fellowship Page