Applications Open for the Women@Dior & UNESCO Mentorship Program 2026–2027

Rooted in UNESCO’s mandate to advance gender equality through education, and in Dior’s long-standing tradition of transmission, creativity and empowerment, this international mentorship and learning program supports the next generation of women leaders. Since 2017, more than 2,800 young women from over 60 countries and nearly 90 nationalities have taken part, representing fields as diverse as engineering, business, international relations, STEM, design, arts, communication and public policy.

The program combines mentorship from a Dior Talent, a cutting-edge global education platform, and a collaborative social impact initiative designed to empower girls and young women in local communities. It forms part of UNESCO’s Global Education Coalition and contributes directly to global efforts to advance gender equality in and through education.

What is the Women @Dior & UNESCO program?

Women@Dior & UNESCO is a year-long mentorship and education program centered on core values shared by UNESCO and Dior, such as autonomy, creativity, inclusion and sustainable development.

Why UNESCO and Dior partner for gender equality?

UNESCO recognizes gender equality as a global priority. The Women@Dior & UNESCO program is part of broader efforts to ensure that all learners, girls and boys, women and men, are empowered equally in and through education. Through mentorship, role models, digital skills development and evidence-informed approaches, UNESCO helps dismantle gender barriers and fosters inclusive, equitable learning environments.

The Dream for change project contributes directly to UNESCO’s work on community empowerment, girls’ education, STEM participation, and gender-transformative leadership.

Selected mentees benefit from:

• Mentorship 

One-to-one guidance from a Dior mentor, supporting early professional navigation, goal-setting and confidence-building. Mentor–mentee pairs are matched through an approach that prioritizes compatibility, shared aspirations and leadership potential.

• Education platform

Access to more than 16 online courses led by distinguished professors, guest speakers and leaders from UNESCO, Dior and partner institutions. Topics include women’s empowerment, responsible leadership, creativity for sustainable futures, wellbeing, diversity and innovation.

• Inspiring interview series 

Access to an interview series with influential figures from across LVMH, Dior and UNESCO, offering authentic perspectives on equity, inclusion, leadership and social transformation.

• Dream for change project 

A hands-on project incubator. After completing the online courses, mentees collaborate in small groups to design and propose a concrete initiative that advances the empowerment of girls and young women and generates positive social impact in their communities.

• Sisterhood & community 

Women@Dior & UNESCO community stays active during the year through online and in person events and activities to foster connection and celebrate the power of sisterhood between mentees.

Note: To receive the Women@Dior & UNESCO certificate, participants must complete all pillars of the program. 

Eligibility criteria

The program is open to women who are:

• Under 30 years old at the time of application.
• Enrolled full-time in a higher education institution.
• In the final year of an undergraduate degree or currently pursuing postgraduate studies (Master’s, PhD).
• Proficient in written and spoken English (B2 level or above), as the program is conducted exclusively in English.
• From any field of study, provided they demonstrate strong interest in women’s empowerment and related issues.
• Open to applicants who have not previously participated in the Women@Dior & UNESCO program.
• Application window: 26 November – 31 December 2025 (23:59 Paris time – GMT +1). Applications submitted outside the official window will not be considered.