Women’s Developmental Leadership Program 2026–2027: Applications Open for Pacific Women

<div class="qMYqUG_convSearchResultHighlightRoot"> <div class="" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:fcddf21a-601b-476d-bb27-78045a0b2516-41" data-is-intersecting="true"> <section class="text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none [&amp;:has([data-writing-block])&gt;*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="request-WEB:fcddf21a-601b-476d-bb27-78045a0b2516-41" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:fcddf21a-601b-476d-bb27-78045a0b2516-41" data-testid="conversation-turn-2" data-turn="assistant"> <div class="text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-8 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)"> <div class="[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn" data-conversation-screenshot-content=""> <div class="flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 [&amp;&gt;div:has([data-free-thinking-preview-answer=true])+:is(.text-message,.relative:has(&gt;.text-message))]:-mt-2 grow"> <div class="min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-1" dir="auto" tabindex="0" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="88c3238b-6fcd-4c87-a33b-0c31037c3a1b" data-message-model-slug="gpt-5-6" data-turn-start-message="true"> <div class="flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden"> <div class="fbskMG_root LR5Y_W_content markdown prose dark:prose-invert wrap-break-word w-full dark markdown-new-styling"> <p class="PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer" dir="auto" data-start="340" data-end="557">The <strong data-start="344" data-end="398">Women’s Developmental Leadership Program 2026–2027</strong> is now accepting applications from eligible <strong data-start="443" data-end="494">Pacific women who are Australia Awards scholars</strong> studying at Australian universities and tertiary institutions.</p> <h3 dir="auto" data-section-id="ztz8ln" data-start="5750" data-end="5781">Key Information at a Glance</h3> <p dir="auto" data-start="5783" data-end="6407"><strong data-start="5783" data-end="5795">Program:</strong> Women’s Developmental Leadership Program<br data-start="5836" data-end="5839" /><strong data-start="5839" data-end="5856">Target group:</strong> Pacific women Australia Awards scholars<br data-start="5896" data-end="5899" /><strong data-start="5899" data-end="5919">Number selected:</strong> Up to 30 participants annually<br data-start="5950" data-end="5953" /><strong data-start="5953" data-end="5972">Program period:</strong> 2026–2027<br data-start="5982" data-end="5985" /><strong data-start="5985" data-end="6007">Application opens:</strong> 21 September 2026<br data-start="6025" data-end="6028" /><strong data-start="6028" data-end="6053">Application deadline:</strong> 25 October 2026<br data-start="6069" data-end="6072" /><strong data-start="6072" data-end="6098">Leadership intensives:</strong> February and September 2027<br data-start="6126" data-end="6129" /><strong data-start="6129" data-end="6142">Location:</strong> Australia and Pacific region<br data-start="6171" data-end="6174" /><strong data-start="6174" data-end="6194">Funding/Support:</strong> Coaching, residential leadership intensives, real-issue challenges and workplace internship opportunities<br data-start="6300" data-end="6303" /><strong data-start="6303" data-end="6319">Eligibility:</strong> Citizens of listed Pacific countries who meet the Australia Awards scholar requirements</p> <p dir="auto" data-start="559" data-end="818">Each year, up to <strong data-start="576" data-end="622">30 Pacific women Australia Awards scholars</strong> are selected to participate in the program, which aims to strengthen women’s leadership capabilities, develop individual leadership styles, and build connections across the Pacific and Australia.</p> <p dir="auto" data-start="820" data-end="1067">Through <strong data-start="828" data-end="948">developmental leadership training, coaching, residential intensives, real-issue challenges and workplace internships</strong>, participants gain practical skills and networks to support lasting change in their communities, countries and region.</p> <p dir="auto" data-start="820" data-end="1067"> <h2 dir="auto" data-section-id="qjiyvo" data-start="1111" data-end="1167">What Is the Women’s Developmental Leadership Program?</h2> <p dir="auto" data-start="1169" data-end="1417">The <strong data-start="1173" data-end="1217">Women’s Developmental Leadership Program</strong> supports Pacific women Australia Awards scholars to establish the foundations of <strong data-start="1299" data-end="1327">developmental leadership</strong>, strengthen their leadership practice and develop regional and country-based connections.</p> <p dir="auto" data-start="1419" data-end="1588">The program also provides continuing support to alumni after they return to the Pacific, helping them apply developmental leadership approaches to real-world challenges.</p> <p dir="auto" data-start="1590" data-end="1743">Participants have access to several program offerings designed to build leadership knowledge, practical experience, confidence and professional networks.</p> <p dir="auto" data-start="1590" data-end="1743"> <h2 dir="auto" data-section-id="r2x9xd" data-start="1745" data-end="1782">Program Benefits and Opportunities</h2> <h3 dir="auto" data-section-id="1ecbs2i" data-start="1784" data-end="1807">1. Bespoke Coaching</h3> <p dir="auto" data-start="1809" data-end="1917">Participants and alumni can access <strong data-start="1844" data-end="1916">one-on-one issues-based and collective ontological coaching sessions</strong>.</p> <p dir="auto" data-start="1919" data-end="2085">These coaching opportunities provide a supportive space to strategically work through barriers that may prevent participants from reaching their leadership potential.</p> <h3 dir="auto" data-section-id="1n2gnhv" data-start="2087" data-end="2127">2. Residential Leadership Intensives</h3> <p dir="auto" data-start="2129" data-end="2202">The program includes <strong data-start="2150" data-end="2201">two week-long residential leadership intensives</strong>.</p> <p dir="auto" data-start="2204" data-end="2244">These intensives enable participants to:</p> <ul data-start="2246" data-end="2524"> <li data-section-id="1hhe0w8" data-start="2246" data-end="2303">Build deep connections with other Pacific women leaders</li> <li data-section-id="t0jn3g" data-start="2304" data-end="2357">Learn from prominent Pacific and Australian leaders</li> <li data-section-id="1pdi09i" data-start="2358" data-end="2402">Explore different approaches to leadership</li> <li data-section-id="i8iyyz" data-start="2403" data-end="2451">Test leadership concepts in their own contexts</li> <li data-section-id="bm627x" data-start="2452" data-end="2493">Develop their personal leadership style</li> <li data-section-id="1x2bp9a" data-start="2494" data-end="2524">Strengthen regional networks</li> </ul> <p dir="auto" data-start="2526" data-end="2605">The two intensives will take place in <strong data-start="2564" data-end="2581">February 2027</strong> and <strong data-start="2586" data-end="2604">September 2027</strong>.</p> <h3 dir="auto" data-section-id="1mg208" data-start="2607" data-end="2635">3. Real Issue Challenges</h3> <p dir="auto" data-start="2637" data-end="2757">Participants identify and address <strong data-start="2671" data-end="2705">real-life developmental issues</strong> affecting their communities, countries and regions.</p> <p dir="auto" data-start="2759" data-end="2915">These challenges provide an opportunity to apply leadership learning and skills to practical situations while embedding developmental leadership approaches.</p> <p dir="auto" data-start="2917" data-end="3019">Additional opportunities to expand these initiatives may be available through the <strong data-start="2999" data-end="3018">Leadership Fund</strong>.</p> <h3 dir="auto" data-section-id="2bml" data-start="3021" data-end="3049">4. Workplace Internships</h3> <p dir="auto" data-start="3051" data-end="3200">Selected participants and alumni may receive support to design, seek and secure <strong data-start="3131" data-end="3199">work placements and internships across Australia and the Pacific</strong>.</p> <p dir="auto" data-start="3202" data-end="3253">These placements are intended to help participants:</p> <ul data-start="3255" data-end="3434"> <li data-section-id="186hl3r" data-start="3255" data-end="3282">Build professional skills</li> <li data-section-id="1vvpuk8" data-start="3283" data-end="3305">Develop new networks</li> <li data-section-id="1uoxlr8" data-start="3306" data-end="3333">Gain practical experience</li> <li data-section-id="1dqndrt" data-start="3334" data-end="3375">Increase readiness for leadership roles</li> <li data-section-id="1yb4jgo" data-start="3376" data-end="3434">Strengthen connections between Australia and the Pacific</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2 dir="auto" data-section-id="9vi4ip" data-start="3436" data-end="3456">Key Program Dates</h2> <div class="group TyagGW_tableContainer" dir="auto"> <div class="TyagGW_tableWrapper flex flex-col-reverse w-fit" tabindex="-1"> <table class="w-fit min-w-(--thread-content-width)" dir="auto" data-start="3458" data-end="4012"> <thead data-start="3458" data-end="3485"> <tr data-start="3458" data-end="3485"> <th class="last:pe-10" data-start="3458" data-end="3465" data-col-size="sm">Date</th> <th class="last:pe-10" data-start="3465" data-end="3485" data-col-size="md">Program Activity</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody data-start="3496" data-end="4012"> <tr data-start="3496" data-end="3541"> <td data-start="3496" data-end="3520" data-col-size="sm"><strong data-start="3498" data-end="3519">21 September 2026</strong></td> <td data-col-size="md" data-start="3520" data-end="3541">Applications open</td> </tr> <tr data-start="3542" data-end="3631"> <td data-start="3542" data-end="3564" data-col-size="sm"><strong data-start="3544" data-end="3563">25 October 2026</strong></td> <td data-start="3564" data-end="3631" data-col-size="md">Applications close at 11:59 PM Australian Eastern Daylight Time</td> </tr> <tr data-start="3632" data-end="3716"> <td data-start="3632" data-end="3668" data-col-size="sm"><strong data-start="3634" data-end="3667">25 October – 16 November 2026</strong></td> <td data-start="3668" data-end="3716" data-col-size="md">Selection process and applicant notification</td> </tr> <tr data-start="3717" data-end="3784"> <td data-start="3717" data-end="3753" data-col-size="sm"><strong data-start="3719" data-end="3752">16 November – 1 December 2026</strong></td> <td data-col-size="md" data-start="3753" data-end="3784">Registration and onboarding</td> </tr> <tr data-start="3785" data-end="3839"> <td data-start="3785" data-end="3807" data-col-size="sm"><strong data-start="3787" data-end="3806">2 December 2026</strong></td> <td data-col-size="md" data-start="3807" data-end="3839">Online induction/orientation</td> </tr> <tr data-start="3840" data-end="3929"> <td data-start="3840" data-end="3875" data-col-size="sm"><strong data-start="3842" data-end="3874">28 January – 4 February 2027</strong></td> <td data-start="3875" data-end="3929" data-col-size="md">Intensive 1 – Outward Bound Australia, Tharwa, ACT</td> </tr> <tr data-start="3930" data-end="4012"> <td data-start="3930" data-end="3959" data-col-size="sm"><strong data-start="3932" data-end="3958">20 – 26 September 2027</strong></td> <td data-start="3959" data-end="4012" data-col-size="md">Intensive 2 – Clear Mountain Lodge, Brisbane, QLD</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> </div> <h2 dir="auto" data-section-id="ssopno" data-start="4014" data-end="4041"></h2> <h2 dir="auto" data-section-id="ssopno" data-start="4014" data-end="4041">Eligibility Requirements</h2> <p dir="auto" data-start="4043" data-end="4122">To apply for the <strong data-start="4060" data-end="4104">Women’s Developmental Leadership Program</strong>, applicants must:</p> <ul data-start="4124" data-end="4567"> <li data-section-id="1r7sa85" data-start="4124" data-end="4149">Identify as a <strong data-start="4140" data-end="4149">woman</strong></li> <li data-section-id="1x4xje9" data-start="4150" data-end="4297">Be enrolled as an <strong data-start="4170" data-end="4198">Australia Awards scholar</strong> at an Australian university or tertiary institution during the first semester of the calendar year</li> <li data-section-id="1ekbmxa" data-start="4298" data-end="4370">Be available to commence the program in Australia in <strong data-start="4353" data-end="4370">February 2027</strong></li> <li data-section-id="1h6u1oy" data-start="4371" data-end="4491">Commit up to <strong data-start="4386" data-end="4427">15 days of face-to-face participation</strong> across the two residential intensives in February and September</li> <li data-section-id="16ktglr" data-start="4492" data-end="4521">Have access to the internet</li> <li data-section-id="xmgir8" data-start="4522" data-end="4567">Be a citizen of an eligible Pacific country</li> </ul> <p dir="auto" style="text-align: center;" data-start="5439" data-end="5592"><strong data-start="5439" data-end="5468">Application Requirements:</strong><br data-start="5468" data-end="5471" /><a class="decorated-link" href="https://www.wliprogram.org/what-we-do-pages/program-application-information" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="5471" data-end="5592">View the official application requirements</a></p> <p dir="auto" style="text-align: center;" data-start="5594" data-end="5748"><strong data-start="5594" data-end="5608">Apply Now:</strong><br data-start="5608" data-end="5611" /><a class="decorated-link" href="https://www.wliprogram.org/what-we-do-pages/program-application" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="5611" data-end="5748">Submit an application for the Women’s Developmental Leadership Program</a></p> <h2 dir="auto" data-section-id="ugvlw9" data-start="4569" data-end="4598">Eligible Pacific Countries</h2> <p dir="auto" data-start="4600" data-end="4674">Citizens of the following countries and territories are eligible to apply:</p> <ul data-start="4676" data-end="4933"> <li data-section-id="1hh7p7y" data-start="4676" data-end="4690">Cook Islands</li> <li data-section-id="1q1h763" data-start="4691" data-end="4723">Federated States of Micronesia</li> <li data-section-id="1j44zd0" data-start="4724" data-end="4730">Fiji</li> <li data-section-id="6vhh0m" data-start="4731" data-end="4749">French Polynesia</li> <li data-section-id="116f8of" data-start="4750" data-end="4760">Kiribati</li> <li data-section-id="1w8lvn6" data-start="4761" data-end="4776">New Caledonia</li> <li data-section-id="1t2u7ow" data-start="4777" data-end="4785">Naoero</li> <li data-section-id="1j3z79b" data-start="4786" data-end="4792">Niue</li> <li data-section-id="1758kip" data-start="4793" data-end="4800">Palau</li> <li data-section-id="1skdg1c" data-start="4801" data-end="4819">Papua New Guinea</li> <li data-section-id="ersr31" data-start="4820" data-end="4850">Republic of Marshall Islands</li> <li data-section-id="178lm9l" data-start="4851" data-end="4858">Samoa</li> <li data-section-id="kdfx2t" data-start="4859" data-end="4876">Solomon Islands</li> <li data-section-id="13qitmt" data-start="4877" data-end="4886">Tokelau</li> <li data-section-id="177rywr" data-start="4887" data-end="4894">Tonga</li> <li data-section-id="5eblc7" data-start="4895" data-end="4903">Tuvalu</li> <li data-section-id="vq0kis" data-start="4904" data-end="4913">Vanuatu</li> <li data-section-id="6syieq" data-start="4914" data-end="4933">Wallis and Futuna</li> </ul> <h2 dir="auto" data-section-id="2sdqig" data-start="4935" data-end="4990"></h2> <h2 dir="auto" data-section-id="2sdqig" data-start="4935" data-end="4990">Women’s Developmental Leadership Program Application</h2> <p dir="auto" data-start="4992" data-end="5178">Applications for the <strong data-start="5013" data-end="5067">Women’s Developmental Leadership Program 2026–2027</strong> opened on <strong data-start="5078" data-end="5099">21 September 2026</strong> and close on <strong data-start="5113" data-end="5177">25 October 2026 at 11:59 PM Australian Eastern Daylight Time</strong>.</p> <p dir="auto" data-start="5180" data-end="5437">Eligible Pacific women Australia Awards scholars interested in developing their leadership capabilities, expanding their networks and contributing to positive change in their communities are encouraged to review the application requirements before applying.</p> <p dir="auto" style="text-align: center;" data-start="5594" data-end="5748"> <p dir="auto" data-start="5783" data-end="6407"> <p dir="auto" style="text-align: center;" data-start="6409" data-end="6645" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node=""><strong data-start="6409" data-end="6430">Official Program:</strong> <a class="decorated-link" href="https://www.wliprogram.org/what-we-do-pages/womens-developmental-leadership-program?fbclid=IwY2xjawUlnJ1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mBWJyaWQRMTZqeFpBZ3hDRjJvWHFaYjlzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeSPfNEQVD1OU_eVe_38JxdWTSqa5o8ry5vjMIfnh_-AtL9hDuuPVQXyWmhew_aem_Nw_I2OcM2wlAXvPKsIZIcQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-start="6431" data-end="6512">Women’s Developmental Leadership Program</a><br data-start="6512" data-end="6515" /><strong data-start="6515" data-end="6525">Apply:</strong> <a class="decorated-link" href="https://www.wliprogram.org/what-we-do-pages/program-application" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-start="6526" data-end="6645" data-is-last-node="">Women’s Developmental Leadership Program Application</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="z-0 flex min-h-[46px] justify-start"></div> <div class="mt-3 w-full empty:hidden has-[&gt;_:empty]:hidden"> <div class="text-center"></div> </div> </div> <div class="[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1" data-conversation-screenshot-content=""> <div></div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> <div class="pointer-events-none -mt-px h-px translate-y-(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom)" aria-hidden="true"></div> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/2026/09/27/womens-developmental-leadership-program-2026-2027-applications-open-for-pacific-women/">Women’s Developmental Leadership Program 2026–2027: Applications Open for Pacific Women</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org">Opportunities for Youth</a>.</p>