Women in Tech® Global and UN Women have opened applications for the Digital Skills and Mentorship Programme, an initiative aimed at equipping women and girls across the Western Balkans with practical digital knowledge, professional guidance and online safety skills.

The programme focuses on digital literacy, artificial intelligence (AI), digital entrepreneurship and protection against technology-facilitated violence. It is designed to help participants strengthen their digital capabilities, explore career opportunities and gain confidence in using emerging technologies.

Applications for the programme close on November 20, 2026.

What the Programme Offers

Selected participants will have access to training, mentorship and learning activities covering several areas of digital and professional development.

The programme includes:

• Digital skills training: Participants will have opportunities to improve their digital literacy and develop knowledge of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.
• Digital entrepreneurship: Training will introduce participants to digital tools and approaches that can support business development and entrepreneurial activities.
• Professional mentorship: Participants will receive guidance from professionals working in information and communications technology (ICT), cybersecurity, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and human resources.
• Online safety education: Learning activities will address technology-facilitated violence, online risks and practical ways to improve digital safety.
• Career development: Participants will have opportunities to explore technology-related career pathways and align their developing skills with professional goals.

The programme is advertised as offering both online and in-person participation. Applicants are advised to consult the official application form for information about the schedule, delivery format and attendance requirements.

The published announcement does not confirm any cash award, scholarship stipend, provision of digital devices or guaranteed employment placement.

Who Can Apply?

The initiative is targeted at women and girls living across the Western Balkans.

However, the publicly available announcement does not provide a comprehensive breakdown of eligibility conditions. Prospective applicants should consult the official application form to establish:

• The countries covered by the programme and applicable citizenship or residency requirements.
• Any minimum or maximum age restrictions.
• Whether previous technology experience or specific educational qualifications are necessary.
• The expected time commitment and programme schedule.
• The documents and supporting information required for an application.

The programme should not be assumed to be open to applicants worldwide. Its stated target audience is women and girls across the Western Balkans, and interested individuals based outside the region should confirm their eligibility before applying.

Skills Participants Can Develop

The programme combines digital education, professional mentorship and online safety training to support participants’ personal and career development.

Through digital literacy and AI training, participants can strengthen their understanding of digital tools and emerging technologies.

Mentorship from professionals in ICT and STEM fields will provide exposure to technology-related career opportunities and help participants identify relevant skills for their professional development.

The digital entrepreneurship component will introduce participants to ways technology and digital tools can support business activities, while the online safety sessions will address technology-facilitated violence and the risks women and girls may encounter online.

Details concerning the specific courses, training hours and learning materials are expected to be confirmed through the official application process.

Application Deadline

The deadline for submitting applications is November 20, 2026.

Although the announcement confirms the closing date, it does not specify the submission deadline’s exact time or time zone. Prospective participants are therefore encouraged to complete their applications ahead of the closing date.

How to Apply

Interested applicants can apply through the official Women in Tech® Global and UN Women application form.

The application process involves the following steps:

1. Visit the official Women in Tech × UN Women application portal.
2. Review the programme information and confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements.
3. Complete the application form with accurate personal and other required information.
4. Review your responses carefully before submitting the application.
5. Monitor your email for further communication from the programme organisers.

Programme Details

• Programme: Digital Skills and Mentorship Programme.
• Organisers: Women in Tech® Global and UN Women.
• Target audience: Women and girls across the Western Balkans.
• Programme focus: Digital skills, artificial intelligence, mentorship, digital entrepreneurship and online safety.
• Participation format: Online and in-person.
• Application deadline: November 20, 2026.

• Apply here: Women in Tech × UN Women Digital Skills & Mentorship Programme

Source: Women in Tech® Global.