Young Women’s Advisory Council (YWAC) 2026: Apply to Join FORWARD’s Youth Leadership Body

<p>The Young Women’s Advisory Council (YWAC) is now accepting applications for its 2026 cohort. This prestigious leadership opportunity, hosted by FORWARD—the African women‑led organisation dedicated to ending violence against women and girls—invites passionate young women aged 18–30 from African, Black, and minoritised communities in the UK to step into meaningful leadership, advocacy, and community‑impact roles.</p> <p>FORWARD has long been recognised as a leading organisation championing dignity, equality, and justice for African women and girls. Through its programmes addressing female genital mutilation (FGM), child marriage, domestic abuse, and sexual violence, FORWARD continues to empower communities and amplify the voices of young women. The Young Women’s Advisory Council plays a central role in shaping this mission.</p> <div></div> <h2><strong>What is the Young Women’s Advisory Council (YWAC)?</strong></h2> <p>The YWAC is a core leadership body within FORWARD’s organisational structure. It sits at the heart of the organisation’s Young Women’s Leadership Programme and Youth Hub activities. Members serve as ambassadors, advocates, and strategic contributors who help guide the direction of FORWARD’s youth‑focused initiatives.</p> <p>YWAC members bring diverse experiences, skills, and motivations. Together, they form a collective force committed to transforming the lives of girls and women across African, Black, and minoritised communities.</p> <div></div> <h2><strong>What YWAC Represents</strong></h2> <p>YWAC members are recognised as:</p> <ul role="list"> <li><strong><span tabindex="0" role="button" data-url="ca://s?q=Tell_me_more_about_FORWARD_ambassadors">FORWARD ambassadors</span></strong> — representing the organisation’s values and mission.</li> <li><strong><span tabindex="0" role="button" data-url="ca://s?q=Explain_youth_leadership_roles">Youth leaders</span></strong> — shaping programmes and influencing decision‑making.</li> <li><strong><span tabindex="0" role="button" data-url="ca://s?q=What_is_a_change_maker_role">Change‑makers</span></strong> — using lived experiences to advocate for equality and justice.</li> </ul> <p>Each member contributes unique insights that help strengthen FORWARD’s work and ensure that young women’s voices remain central to programme design and delivery.</p> <div></div> <h2><strong>Key Responsibilities of YWAC Members</strong></h2> <p>YWAC members work closely with FORWARD’s Youth Programme staff and take on a variety of strategic and operational responsibilities, including:</p> <ul role="list"> <li><strong><span tabindex="0" role="button" data-url="ca://s?q=How_to_provide_strategic_advice">Providing strategic advice</span></strong> and guidance on youth‑focused initiatives.</li> <li><strong><span tabindex="0" role="button" data-url="ca://s?q=How_to_lead_advocacy_campaigns">Leading advocacy and campaign work</span></strong> within the Youth Hub.</li> <li><strong><span tabindex="0" role="button" data-url="ca://s?q=How_to_represent_an_organisation_at_events">Representing FORWARD at events</span></strong> across the UK.</li> <li><strong><span tabindex="0" role="button" data-url="ca://s?q=What_is_youth_consultation_research">Participating in consultations and research</span></strong> on issues affecting young African, Black, and minoritised women.</li> </ul> <div></div> <h2><strong>Roles Available for 2026</strong></h2> <p>FORWARD is recruiting for several leadership and operational positions within the Council:</p> <ul role="list"> <li><strong><span tabindex="0" role="button" data-url="ca://s?q=What_does_a_Co_Chair_do">Co‑Chairs</span></strong> (x2)</li> <li><strong><span tabindex="0" role="button" data-url="ca://s?q=What_are_the_duties_of_a_secretary_in_a_council">Secretary</span></strong></li> <li><strong><span tabindex="0" role="button" data-url="ca://s?q=Operations_Officer_role_explained">Operations Officer</span></strong></li> <li><strong><span tabindex="0" role="button" data-url="ca://s?q=Finance_and_Fundraising_Officer_role">Finance and Fundraising Officer</span></strong></li> <li><strong><span tabindex="0" role="button" data-url="ca://s?q=Communications_Officer_role_explained">Communications Officer</span></strong></li> <li><strong><span tabindex="0" role="button" data-url="ca://s?q=Outreach_Officer_role_explained">Outreach Officer</span></strong></li> </ul> <p>Each role contributes to the smooth functioning, visibility, and impact of the Youth Advisory Council.</p> <div></div> <h2><strong>Who Should Apply?</strong></h2> <p>You are encouraged to apply if you are:</p> <ul role="list"> <li>Passionate about <strong>women’s rights, dignity, and equality</strong>.</li> <li>Confident, outspoken, and committed to <strong>advocating for your rights</strong>.</li> <li>A strong communicator and collaborative team player.</li> <li>Open to learning, growth, and leadership development.</li> <li>Able to volunteer <strong>at least one day per month</strong> for YWAC activities.</li> <li>Creative, proactive, and full of new ideas.</li> </ul> <div></div> <h2><strong>What You Gain from Joining YWAC</strong></h2> <p>Becoming a YWAC member offers a wide range of personal and professional benefits:</p> <ul role="list"> <li>Opportunity to <strong>pursue your passion</strong> and make a tangible difference in the lives of women and girls.</li> <li>Opportunity to <strong>build leadership, public speaking, and project development skills</strong>.</li> <li>Access to <strong>training and personal development</strong> opportunities.</li> <li>Opportunity to <strong>co‑design programmes</strong>, facilitate sessions, and deliver youth‑focused events.</li> <li>Opportunity to <strong>connect with like‑minded activists</strong> and build lifelong sisterhood networks.</li> </ul> <div></div> <h2><strong>How to Apply</strong></h2> <p>Applicants must submit:</p> <ul role="list"> <li>A <strong>CV</strong></li> <li>A <strong>300‑word supporting statement</strong> titled <em>“YWAC Application 2025”</em></li> <li>Indicate clearly <strong>which role</strong> you are applying for</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3><strong>Deadline: Thursday 31st July 2026 at 12:00 PM (BST)</strong></h3> <p>Please note: This is a <strong>voluntary role</strong>, but a <strong>stipend is available</strong> for related activities.</p> <p>For more information about this opportunity and to apply visit <a href="https://www.forwarduk.org.uk/news-events/apply-to-become-a-young-womens-advisory-council-member/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a></p> <p>Discover more volunteer opportunities <a href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/?s=volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/2026/06/23/young-womens-advisory-council-ywac-2026-apply-to-join-forwards-youth-leadership-body/">Young Women’s Advisory Council (YWAC) 2026: Apply to Join FORWARD’s Youth Leadership Body</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org">Opportunities for Youth</a>.</p>