Capacity-Building on Gender Equality and Women’s Participation 2026: Apply for ASEF’s High‑Impact Training Programme in Kunming, China

The Asia–Europe Foundation (ASEF) has officially opened applications for its three‑day, in‑person Capacity-Building for Inclusive and Sustainable Development: Gender Equality and Women’s Participation Programme, scheduled to take place in Kunming, China from 7–9 September 2026.

This initiative is part of ASEF’s broader commitment to strengthening governance, sustainable development, and gender equality across Asia and Europe. The programme is hosted by the Foreign Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Yunnan Province and funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China.

Running from May to September 2026, the programme aims to equip participants with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to advance women’s participation and leadership in governance, policymaking, and development processes.

Application Deadline: Sunday, 3 July 2026 (23:59 Singapore Time)

Purpose and Vision of the Programme

Gender equality is a foundational pillar of inclusive governance and sustainable development. This programme seeks to place women’s participation at the centre of policy, institutional practice, and public dialogue. It recognises gender equality as a cross‑cutting issue essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and advancing agendas related to climate change, peace and security, and social inclusion.

The training is designed to empower approximately 20 participants from ASEM partner countries who are positioned to influence policy, programme design, advocacy, research, or institutional practice.

Programme Objectives

Participants will gain:

1. A deeper understanding of barriers to women’s participation, including structural, institutional, social, and cultural constraints.
2. Practical competencies in:
   • Gender analysis
   • Gender-sensitive and gender-disaggregated data
   • Gender-responsive budgeting
   • Monitoring and evaluation approaches relevant to women’s participation
3. Skills for mainstreaming gender equality within their organisations, policies, and programmes.
4. Cross-regional learning opportunities, enabling comparative reflection and peer-to-peer knowledge exchange between Asia and Europe.
5. Enhanced capacity to apply intersectional analysis, integrate gender equality tools into programme processes, and identify strategies to promote women’s leadership.
6. Support in formulating concrete follow-up actions that participants can implement within their professional contexts.

Target Participants & Eligibility

The programme is designed for a diverse group of stakeholders committed to advancing gender equality across the ASEM region.

Primary participants include:

• Representatives from government agencies with mandates related to gender equality
• Ministries, Commissions, or Councils on Women
• Departments of Social Welfare, Family Affairs, or Development
• Gender focal points within ministries
• Members of inter-ministerial groups
• Civil society organisations working on gender equality and women’s empowerment

Secondary participants include:

• Representatives from academic institutions
• Relevant private sector organisations contributing to women’s empowerment

Training Format

The training will consist of comprehensive, practice-based sessions designed to strengthen participants’ understanding of gender equality and women’s participation in policymaking, programming, advocacy, and community-level initiatives.

Key features include:

• Participatory and interactive learning
• Practical exercises and tools
• Peer-to-peer knowledge exchange
• Real-world case studies
• Inclusive and engaging facilitation methods

Participants will also receive access to the Training Leaflet – Capacity-Building on Gender Equality and Women’s Participation for further details.

Travel & Accommodation Support

The co-organisers will provide:

• Economy-class airfare reimbursement (point-to-point travel to/from Kunming, China), up to a maximum ceiling
• Four nights of accommodation at the training venue
  • Check-in: 6 September 2026
  • Check-out: 10 September 2026

How to Apply

Interested applicants must complete the online application form and upload a letter of organisational endorsement or nomination.

The endorsement letter must:

• Be written in English
• Be on official letterhead or sent from an official email address
• Explain how the applicant’s participation aligns with the organisation’s priorities and activities

Application Deadline: Sunday, 3 July 2026 (23:59 Singapore Time)

About the Organisers

The programme is hosted by the Foreign Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Yunnan Province and funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, in collaboration with the Asia–Europe Foundation (ASEF).