Scholarship Opportunity for Young Leaders in Women, Peace, and Security in Ukraine

Since 2020, the FBA annually awards a scholarship in support of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security. The scholarship was established on behalf of the Swedish government in memory of Zaida Catalán, a dedicated gender equality expert and peace builder. 

Between 2011 and 2016, Zaida Catalán was seconded by the FBA as a gender expert to several international peace operations. In 2017, she was tragically murdered during a UN mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Through the 1325 scholarship, more young peacebuilders are given the opportunity to engage in and work with issues related to women's participation in conflict resolution in the countries where Zaida Catalán was on secondment from FBA: DRC, Palestine and Afghanistan.

For the scholarship year 2024/2025, the government has decided that there will also be an opportunity for young women in Ukraine to receive the scholarship.  

– Women and girls are among those most severely affected by wars and conflicts, and Russia's war of aggression has clearly highlighted the different impacts of war on various groups in society. In Ukraine, as in many other parts of the world, there is a need for a stronger focus on protecting women and girls from violence and the effects of conflicts, as recognized by the 1325 resolutions, says Isa Li Axberg, desk officer in charge of the 1325 scholarship at FBA.

– A gender equality perspective needs to permeate Ukraine's reconstruction efforts and ongoing reform processes. Our hope is that the scholarship will serve as a reminder and inspiration for more young people that women's active participation in addressing and resolving conflicts is crucial for achieving sustainable peace and security, adds Isa Li.

Who can apply for the scholarship?

The scholarship is aimed at early career professionals with a demonstrated commitment to the women, peace, and security agenda, as well as gender issues. We are looking for candidates with at least two years of relevant work experience in civil society in Ukraine. Applicants should also have a clear intention to continue working on these issues locally after the scholarship period.

What is offered?

The selected scholarship recipient will have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and contribute to the work on women, peace, and security through a one-year placement at the Ukrainian Women’s Fund (UWF) in Kyiv. During the scholarship period, FBA will provide capacity-building support.

As a scholarship recipient, you will receive an allowance to maintain a good standard of living. FBA also covers some overhead costs for the host organisation to ensure you have an educational and rewarding placement in a safe work environment.    

Calls for applications in 2025

In 2025, it will be possible to apply for the scholarship in the country contexts of the DRC and Afghanistan, where the security situation necessitates placements with a civil society organization in Pakistan. Following an amendment to the agency's appropriation directive for 2024, the context of Palestine will also be reinstated.

How to apply  

Are you ready to take the next step in your career as a changemaker and make a difference in the spirit of Zaida Catalán? Then it's time to prepare your application. Application deadline: December 4, 2024.

Terms of Reference for the Ukraine 1325 scholarship 

Apply for the scholarship in Ukraine 

FAQ about the scholarship.

Read more about the selection process.