Scholarship in support of women, peace and security in memory of Zaida Catalán

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.

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 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.

Selection process

When the application period closes, FBA will first screen all applications and verify if all applicants fulfill the formal requirements. Thereafter, FBA will review and rate the approved applicants and provide the hosting organizations with a longlist of candidates.

The applications will be assessed according to a conclusion of the following criteria:

• Formal competence and merit: Relevance of educational background, and previous experience in relation to the women, peace and security agenda.

• Functional competence: Ability to transform relevant knowledge and experience into skills and practices relevant to the hosting organization (see the terms of reference for the placement in question).

• Personal suitability: Motivation and/or need to gain experience in the context of the placement and from work with the women, peace and security agenda, as well as motivation and/or need to participate in capacity-building and networking activities.

Candidates shortlisted by a hosting organization and FBA will be invited for interviews with a joint interview panel, where FBA and the hosting organization will be represented alongside representatives from the Swedish diplomatic mission in the country in question. In connection with the interview, candidates will be asked for documentation and references.