Applications open for Women@Dior and UNESCO mentorship program 2026–27

Applications have opened for the 2026–27 edition of the Women@Dior and UNESCO mentorship program, inviting young women in higher education worldwide to apply for the international leadership initiative.

The program, run jointly by luxury brand Dior and UNESCO, combines mentorship, online education, and collaborative project work to support women preparing for leadership roles across sectors.

Since its launch in 2017, the initiative has supported more than 2,800 participants from disciplines including business, engineering, art, fashion, hospitality, communication, and international relations.

The application deadline is Dec 31, at 11:59 pm Paris time. Submissions received after the deadline will not be considered.

The program is open to women under 30 who are enrolled full-time in higher education. Eligible candidates must be in their final year of an undergraduate program or pursuing postgraduate studies.

Applicants must not have previously participated in the Women@Dior and UNESCO initiative and must demonstrate proficiency in English, the program’s working language.

Students from all academic fields are eligible, provided they show a clear interest in gender equality and women’s empowerment.

A key feature of the initiative is its one-on-one mentorship model. Selected participants are matched with Dior professionals based on career interests and aspirations.

According to the official statement, mentors guide mentees through the early stages of their professional journeys, offering support in career planning, leadership development, and network building.

Participation in the mentorship component is mandatory and runs for the duration of the program.

In addition to mentoring, participants take part in interviews and talks with leaders from Dior, UNESCO, and partner organizations. These sessions focus on leadership, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

The learning component is delivered through an online platform and includes more than 16 compulsory courses.

The curriculum covers areas such as self-awareness, autonomy, creativity, inclusion, and sustainable development.

Participants are expected to complete coursework alongside mentorship and group activities, requiring sustained engagement throughout the program.

After completing the courses and interview series, participants collaborate in small teams on the “Dream for Change” project.

This final assignment requires groups to develop a proposal addressing a real-world challenge linked to the empowerment of women and girls. The project forms part of the overall evaluation of participant engagement.

Selection is based on leadership potential, commitment to personal development, collaboration skills, social impact experience, and involvement in community or social initiatives.

Applicants must also demonstrate their ability to dedicate sufficient time to all program components.

To apply, candidates must submit a curriculum vitae, a motivation letter of up to 600 words, and proof of enrollment where applicable.

The motivation letter should explain the applicant’s interest in the program, focus areas related to women’s empowerment, and any relevant past projects or initiatives.

According to the official statement, the program does not offer internships or employment with Dior or UNESCO.

Participants who do not complete all required elements, including coursework, mentorship sessions, and the group project, will not receive a completion certificate.

With applications now open for the 2026–27 cycle, the Women@Dior and UNESCO mentorship program continues to position itself as a global platform for developing future women leaders and advancing gender equality through education, mentorship, and social impact.