Women Against Violence Europe (WAVE) has announced the recruitment of its fifth generation of Youth Ambassadors, inviting passionate young activists to join a Europe-wide initiative dedicated to promoting women’s rights, gender equality, and the prevention of violence against women and girls.
The initiative provides a platform for young people to strengthen their advocacy skills, collaborate with like-minded activists, and contribute to meaningful social change. Through campaigning, awareness-raising, and participation in decision-making, the programme seeks to amplify youth voices and strengthen the feminist movement across Europe.
Applications are open to eligible young people aged 18–26 who are committed to challenging gender inequality and advancing the human rights of women, girls, and children.
About the WAVE Youth Ambassadors Initiative
Established in October 2018, the WAVE Youth Ambassadors initiative has supported young activists in taking an active role in addressing violence and discrimination against women and girls. The programme promotes youth participation by creating opportunities for young people to contribute their perspectives, share experiences, and engage in feminist advocacy across different European countries.
Through this initiative, WAVE aims to connect emerging activists, encourage collective learning, and support youth-led efforts to challenge harmful gender norms and promote equality. The programme also recognises the importance of including young people’s experiences and ideas in conversations about violence prevention, women’s rights, and social justice.
The fifth generation of Youth Ambassadors will participate in a two-year volunteer programme running from January 2027 to December 2028.
Who Can Apply?
WAVE is seeking motivated young activists who are interested in women’s rights, feminism, gender equality, and ending violence against women and girls.
Applicants should meet the following criteria:
- Be between 18 and 26 years old.
- Have a good command of English to communicate and collaborate with participants from different countries.
- Be based in a European country and available to participate actively throughout the two-year mandate.
- Understand the prevalence and impact of violence against women and girls and demonstrate a commitment to challenging gender inequality.
- Be willing to volunteer and work collaboratively with a diverse group of young activists.
- Show a willingness to learn, exchange ideas, and develop new skills in women’s rights advocacy.
- Have an interest in creating engaging content, raising awareness, and communicating important messages to young people.
- Be ready to contribute personal perspectives, experiences, creativity, and ideas to a supportive feminist community.
The programme welcomes young people who are eager to learn, participate in collaborative initiatives, and contribute to collective efforts to advance gender equality.
Benefits of Becoming a WAVE Youth Ambassador
Joining the WAVE Youth Ambassadors initiative offers young activists an opportunity to strengthen their knowledge, develop practical skills, and expand their networks within the European feminist movement.
Selected ambassadors will have opportunities to:
- Develop advocacy and communication skills: Participate in capacity-building activities and learning opportunities covering women’s rights, violence against women and girls, campaigning, advocacy, and communication.
- Connect with a Europe-wide network: Engage with WAVE’s network of more than 2,000 women’s rights organisations across Europe.
- Exchange knowledge and experiences: Collaborate with peers working to advance gender equality in different national and social contexts.
- Access specialised resources: Benefit from WAVE’s expertise and resources to deepen their understanding of gender-based violence and strengthen their advocacy efforts.
- Participate in campaigns: Contribute ideas, develop awareness-raising content, and explore creative approaches to engaging and mobilising young people.
- Influence feminist advocacy: Help bring youth perspectives into WAVE’s activities, discussions, priorities, and responses to violence against women and girls.
These opportunities are designed to support young activists in becoming more confident advocates while building lasting connections with others committed to women’s human rights.
Responsibilities and Contributions
WAVE Youth Ambassadors will become part of a youth-led platform focused on amplifying young voices and strengthening youth participation in feminist advocacy across Europe.
Throughout the programme, ambassadors will have opportunities to contribute to campaigns, support advocacy initiatives, participate in awareness-raising activities, and share insights from their own communities and countries. They will also collaborate with other young activists to exchange ideas, develop initiatives, and explore innovative ways to address gender inequality.
The initiative places particular emphasis on peer learning, collective action, creativity, and meaningful participation. Ambassadors are encouraged to take an active role in shaping programme activities, bringing forward their experiences, and identifying issues that matter to young people.
By participating in the programme, young activists can help strengthen the visibility of women’s rights issues and encourage greater youth involvement in efforts to prevent violence against women and girls.
Those interested in learning more about the work of current WAVE Youth Ambassadors can explore the initiative’s Instagram page.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must complete the official application form and submit their curriculum vitae (CV) by email to the designated WAVE coordinators.
Applications should be sent to:
- branislava.aradjan@wave-network.org
- beverly.mtui@wave-network.org
Applicants should name their CV files using their first and last names, following the format FirstName_LastName_CV.pdf.
Candidates may also include links to relevant projects, campaigns, digital content, or other activities that demonstrate their interests, skills, and experience in women’s rights, advocacy, communications, or youth engagement.
Application deadline: 8 November 2026, by the end of the day.
Applicants shortlisted for the second stage will be invited to participate in an online interview scheduled between 16 and 20 November 2026.
For further information or questions about the application process, candidates can contact Branislava Arađan, WAVE Project and Youth Ambassador Coordinator, at branislava.aradjan@wave-network.org.
Programme Duration and Commitment
The WAVE Youth Ambassador position is a volunteer opportunity with a two-year mandate running from January 2027 to December 2028. Successful applicants should be prepared to participate actively throughout the programme and collaborate with fellow ambassadors in advancing the initiative’s objectives.
The programme offers young activists an opportunity to contribute to a Europe-wide movement, develop practical advocacy experience, and help shape conversations about gender equality and the prevention of violence against women and girls.
Join the Movement for Women’s Rights
The fifth generation of WAVE Youth Ambassadors represents an opportunity for young people to strengthen their voices, build meaningful connections, and contribute to a future in which women and girls can live free from violence and discrimination.
Young activists who meet the eligibility criteria and share WAVE’s commitment to women’s human rights are encouraged to apply before the deadline and become part of a collaborative network working towards lasting change.
