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

Since 2020, the FBA annually awards a scholarship in support of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security. 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 Palestine. 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 Palestinian Initiative for the Promotion of Global Dialogue and Democracy (MIFTAH) in Jerusalem. 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.     

Ther are already scholarship holders in the country contexts of Afghanistan, DR Congo and Ukraine. The Palestine context is being reintroduced after an addition to the Swedish government’s letter of appropriation for 2024. 

“ XXXXXXXX…, says Isa Li Axberg, desk officer in charge of the 1325 scholarship at FBA. 

About Zaida Catalán 

The 1325 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 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. 

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: 23, 2025. 

Terms of Reference for Palestine  

Apply for the scholarship for Palestine  

FAQ about the scholarship. 

Read more about the selection process.