Digital Gender Inclusion and Innovation Bootcamp 2026.Photo by AI
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in partnership with Here I Am, has opened applications for the Digital Gender Inclusion and Innovation Bootcamp 2026, a free training programme designed to strengthen digital access, leadership, and innovation among organisations supporting displaced and stateless women and girls.
Announced on 17 February 2026, the bootcamp forms part of UNHCR’s broader commitment to advancing digital gender equality and ensuring that women and girls affected by forced displacement are not left behind in an increasingly technology-driven world.
Addressing the Digital Gender Divide
In many displacement settings, women and girls face compounded barriers to accessing digital tools and technology.
These barriers range from affordability and limited connectivity to safety concerns and restrictive social norms.
For stateless and forcibly displaced communities, limited digital access can also mean reduced access to education, livelihoods, legal information, and protection services.
The 2026 bootcamp aims to equip participating organisations with practical tools and strategies to close this digital gender gap.
According to UNHCR, the programme will focus on strengthening the leadership and agency of displaced and stateless women, building inclusive and community-driven innovation ecosystems, and supporting safe and meaningful digital participation.
Through structured learning and peer exchange, participants will explore how digital tools can be used to improve protection outcomes, enhance accountability, and expand economic opportunities for women and girls.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are open to organisations working directly with forcibly displaced and stateless women and girls. Eligible applicants include:
- Women-led organisations (WLOs), particularly refugee women-led organisations (RWLOs)
- Refugee-led organisations (RLOs), where people with lived experience of forced displacement hold primary leadership roles
- Community-based organisations (CBOs)
Organisations must demonstrate experience in supporting displaced or stateless women and girls, or a strong commitment to advancing their rights and opportunities.
While prior experience in digital inclusion or innovation is welcomed, it is not mandatory. Organisations with a clear interest in learning and building capacity in this area are also encouraged to apply.
Each organisation may nominate up to two women to participate in the programme, a model designed to maximise institutional learning and ensure knowledge transfer within participating groups.
Live sessions will be reserved for women participants.
What the Bootcamp Offers
The Digital Gender Inclusion and Innovation Bootcamp 2026 is fully funded and delivered online. It includes:
- Five live online learning sessions
- Eight self-paced learning modules
- Peer learning, exchange, and networking opportunities
- A certificate is awarded upon completion
Participants will build knowledge and practical skills across several areas, including online safety for women and girls, the use of digital tools for protection and advocacy, and the development of digital livelihoods to promote women’s economic empowerment.
The curriculum also covers human-centred design, project management, and partnership-building key competencies for turning community-based ideas into scalable, impactful initiatives.
UNHCR says the bootcamp will provide a holistic perspective on designing and delivering digital gender inclusion projects that are locally relevant and community-driven.
Participation Requirements
Nominated participants must commit approximately 10 to 12 hours across the duration of the programme.
This includes attending five live online sessions (totalling five to six hours) and completing eight self-paced modules (also five to six hours).
Participants must speak English, French, Arabic, or Spanish, have access to Zoom on a computer or mobile device, and have a stable internet connection. Basic familiarity with online learning platforms is required.
The bootcamp is scheduled to run from 8 April to 22 April 2026. Applications must be submitted by 16 March 2026 through the official application form.
Advancing Inclusive Digital Futures
As digital transformation reshapes access to services, education, and livelihoods, UNHCR says inclusive innovation is essential to prevent existing inequalities from deepening.
By targeting organisations led by or working closely with displaced women and girls, the bootcamp seeks to place leadership and solutions directly in the hands of affected communities.
With a focus on practical learning and collaboration, the Digital Gender Inclusion and Innovation Bootcamp 2026 represents an opportunity for grassroots and refugee-led organisations to strengthen their digital capacity and help ensure the digital age leaves no one behind.
