The UNSCR 1325 on women, peace and security, together with subsequent resolutions, constitutes the agenda for women, peace and security. The agenda states that the inclusion of women in the prevention, management and solution of conflicts is crucial for sustainable peace and security. The resolutions also highlight the need to improve the protection of women and girls against violence and the consequences of conflicts.

– Zaida Catalán was a committed and highly appreciated colleague. This scholarship is a Swedish contribution to strengthen international efforts for women, peace and security, by giving young peacebuilders the opportunity to work on these issues in the spirit of Zaida Catalán, said FBA's former Director-General Sven-Eric Söder.

Who can apply for the scholarship and how does it work?

The scholarship targets young peacebuilders at the beginning of their career, with a confirmed strong dedication to the women, peace and security agenda and efforts for gender equality.

For one year, the selected scholarship holders will have the opportunity to gain experience within this field and contribute to the promotion of peace and security at a civil society organization in Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) or Palestine – the countries where Zaida Catalán was on secondment from FBA. As of the 2024 scholarship cycle, the government has chosen to add the new context of Ukraine. The four scholarship holders will also benefit from capacity building activities organised by the FBA.

Applicants are required to have two years of relevant work experience from the local context, a proven commitment to the issues, and the intention to continue as agents of change to promote women, peace and security on the ground when the scholarship ends. Following an addition to the Agency's appropriation directions for 2024, the Palestine context will be reintroduced for the 2025 call, having previously been paused in 2024.

Terms of reference for the DRC.

Apply for the scholarship in the DRC. 

Terms of reference for Palestine.

Apply for the scholarship in Palestine. 

Terms of reference for Afghanistan/Pakistan

Apply for the scholarship in Afghanistan/Pakistan 

The scholarship holders will receive a package of allowances to ensure a good standard of living. FBA also covers some of the hosting organizations’ expenses for scholarship holders, so that they can have an instructive and rewarding placement as well as safe working conditions.

In order to stimulate further exchange of experiences, FBA looks into the possibility to create an alumni network for former scholarship holders.

FBA is Sweden’s expert agency for the implementation of the women, peace and security agenda.

FAQ about the scholarship.

Read more about the selection process.

Photo: Marc Nozell/Flickr

Facts about Zaida Catalán

During 2011-2016, Zaida Catalán was seconded from FBA as gender expert, serving in the European Union Police Mission for the DRC, the European Union Police Mission in Afghanistan and the European Union Police and Rule of Law Mission for the Palestinian Territory. It was in March 2017, during a mission for the UN Group of Experts to DRC, that she and her colleague, Michael Sharp, were tragically murdered.