CFAs: Women Leadership in ASEAN Leadership Development Program

Deadline: 05-Sep-2026

The Women Leadership in ASEAN Program 2026 offers women professionals from ASEAN Member States and Timor-Leste a fully funded, in-person leadership development opportunity in Paris, France. The programme is designed to strengthen leadership, strategic thinking, professional influence, networking, and contributions to gender equality and regional cooperation. What Is the Women Leadership in ASEAN Program? The Women Leadership in ASEAN programme is an intensive leadership development initiative organised by the Embassy of France to Indonesia, Timor-Leste and ASEAN, in partnership with INSP and the ASEAN Secretariat. The initiative addresses the underrepresentation of women in leadership positions across different professional sectors in Southeast Asia. Following earlier online editions launched since 2021, the programme has developed into a France–ASEAN cooperation initiative that brings women professionals together for intensive training and peer networking in Paris. Why It Matters Women remain underrepresented in many leadership and decision-making positions.

The programme aims to help participants:

- Strengthen leadership capabilities. - Improve strategic thinking. - Develop professional influence. - Build regional networks. - Improve communication and personal branding. - Exchange experiences with other women leaders. - Support gender equality. - Strengthen France–ASEAN cooperation. - Create lasting professional relationships across the region. Program Benefits Selected participants will attend a week-long programme in Paris from 23 to 27 November 2026. The programme is fully funded for selected participants, with all training-related costs covered.

Participants will benefit from

- In-person leadership training. - Expert-led theoretical sessions. - Interactive workshops. - Peer-to-peer learning. - Case discussions. - Professional networking. - Strategic leadership tools. - Personal branding guidance. - Opportunities to develop regional connections. Training and Learning Activities The programme combines theoretical learning with practical leadership development.

Participants will take part in

- Leadership theory sessions. - Interactive workshops. - Peer-to-peer exchanges. - Real-life professional case discussions. - Strategic thinking exercises. - Influence-building activities. - Network development sessions. - Personal branding activities. The training is designed to provide practical tools that participants can apply in their professional environments. Expert Leadership Training The programme includes expert trainers specialising in women’s leadership and professional development. One of the featured trainers is Dr. Gisele Szczyglak, an executive coach and author with extensive experience in mentoring and leadership development. Her expertise contributes to the programme’s focus on leadership development, professional influence and women’s advancement. Who Is Eligible? The programme is intended for women professionals from ASEAN Member States and Timor-Leste. Applicants must meet the following requirements: - Be a woman professional. - Be from an ASEAN Member State or Timor-Leste. - Be approximately 30 to 45 years old. - Have at least five years of professional experience. - Hold a professional leadership position or demonstrate leadership responsibilities. - Be fluent in English at a minimum B2 level. - Be available to participate in the entire programme in Paris from 23–27 November 2026. Eligible Professional Backgrounds The programme welcomes women working across different sectors.

Potential applicants include:

- Civil servants. - Business executives. - NGO leaders. - Journalists. - Researchers. - Other women professionals with demonstrated leadership responsibilities. The programme is not restricted to one professional field. Leadership and Gender Equality Experience Selection considers more than professional seniority.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate:

- Professional achievements. - Leadership experience. - Contributions to gender equality. - Contributions to regional cooperation. - Motivation for participating. - Clear professional development goals. Experience that demonstrates a commitment to improving opportunities for women or strengthening regional collaboration can be particularly relevant. Application Requirements Applicants must submit two main documents: - CV or résumé. - Motivation essay of no more than 500 words. The application materials should clearly demonstrate the applicant’s professional background, leadership experience and reasons for seeking participation. How to Apply Applicants should prepare their application around their leadership experience and future professional goals.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Check that you:

- Are a woman professional. - Are from an ASEAN Member State or Timor-Leste. - Are between 30 and 45 years old. - Have at least five years of professional experience. - Meet the English-language requirement. - Can attend the full programme in Paris.

Step 2: Prepare Your CV

Your CV should clearly present:

- Current position. - Professional experience. - Leadership responsibilities. - Major achievements. - Relevant projects. - Contributions to gender equality. - Regional or international cooperation experience.

Step 3: Write the Motivation Essay

The motivation essay must be no longer than 500 words.

It should explain:

- Why you want to join the programme. - Your leadership experience. - Your professional ambitions. - How the training will strengthen your career. - How you intend to use the experience after returning to your professional environment. - Your interest in gender equality and regional cooperation.

Step 4: Demonstrate Your Impact

Use specific examples rather than general statements. For example, explain a project you led, a team you managed, a policy initiative you contributed to, or an activity through which you advanced gender equality or regional cooperation.

Step 5: Submit the Complete Application