Type
Course
Women’s Leadership for Peace: Rising Leaders Course
Location
Geneva, Switzerland
Date
-
Duration
5 Days
Programme Area
Peace Security and Diplomacy,
Peacemaking and Conflict Prevention,
Peacekeeping
Website
Price
$2,550.00
Fees include the cost of the programme as well as coffee breaks and lunches on course days. It does do not include airfare, accommodation, or visa costs. Fees are in USD.
Event Focal Point Email
sheleads4peace@unitar.org
Registration
Application-based event
Mode of Delivery
Face-to-Face
Language(s)
English
Pillar
Peace
Background
Women professionals in the early stages of their careers are increasingly navigating complex professional environments shaped by rapid global change, evolving leadership expectations, and growing uncertainty across political, social, and institutional contexts. At this stage of their careers, many women are balancing increasing professional responsibility with important personal and professional questions related to purpose, direction, sustainability, and identity.
For many, the years following entry into the workforce can represent a period of reassessment and transition. Women may begin questioning whether their current professional trajectory aligns with their values and long-term aspirations, while simultaneously navigating pressures related to career progression, mobility, visibility, and expectations within demanding institutional environments. International and mission-driven careers can offer meaningful opportunities for impact, while also presenting challenges related to mobility, visibility, sustainability, and balancing personal and professional priorities. At the same time, women may continue to encounter barriers related to confidence, access to leadership networks, and navigating institutional environments that do not always reflect inclusive leadership models.
A condensed version of the Women's Leadership for Peace Programme, this course responds to this need through an intensive one-week leadership training in Geneva designed for women professionals with approximately 4 to 7 years of experience. The programme provides reflective and collaborative learning environment where participants can explore authentic leadership, engage with experienced women leaders, and strengthen their ability to lead effectively in complex and rapidly changing contexts.
Grounded in the values of inclusive leadership, dialogue, and peace, the programme recognizes that the meaningful representation of women across sectors linked to peace and security contributes to more inclusive and resilient institutions and communities. It aims to support participants in advancing this contribution through greater self-awareness, personal and professional clarity, and leadership confidence.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will:
- Strengthen self-awareness and identify/reconnect with passions, motivations, and leadership aspirations;
- Reflect critically on career direction, evolving priorities, and alignment between professional pathways and personal values;
- Develop a clearer understanding of their individual leadership style;
- Build confidence in navigating professional transitions, uncertainty, and changing personal and professional priorities;
- Enhance capacity to lead effectively in situations of uncertainty and complexity;
- Engage with women leaders from different sectors and contexts;
- Build meaningful peer networks and communities of support across regions and professional background;
- Develop an individual leadership action plan for the next stage of their professional journey.
Content and Structure
The programme is organised around three interconnected tracks :
Track 1: Personal Leadership
The first track focuses on leadership identity, self-awareness, and personal reflection. Participants are encouraged to reflect on their professional journey to date and examine the values, motivations, and experiences that shape how they lead. The track explores themes related to confidence, authenticity, leadership presence, wellbeing, and defining success in ways that are aligned with individual priorities and aspirations. It also creates space for participants to reflect on questions that often emerge during this stage of professional life, including reassessing career direction, navigating competing personal and professional expectations, and considering how to build a career that remains aligned with evolving values, ambitions, and definitions of impact.
Particular attention is given to the challenges many women experience during this stage of their careers, including navigating uncertainty, balancing ambition with sustainability, and building confidence within demanding professional environments. The track aims to support participants in developing greater clarity regarding their leadership style, strengths, and future direction.
Track 2: Learning from Women Leaders
The second track centres on learning through dialogue and exchange with women leaders from international organisations, diplomacy, civil society, peace and security, social impact, and related sectors. Participants will explore diverse leadership journeys and gain insight into the opportunities and challenges associated with leadership across different professional contexts. This track examines themes such as career progression, resilience, navigating institutional systems, building influence, and leading with integrity in complex environments. Through exposure to a range of leadership experiences and perspectives, participants are encouraged to reflect on their own pathway and expand their understanding of leadership in practice.
Track 3: Leadership in Complexity and Futures Thinking
The third track explores leadership in the context of complexity, uncertainty, and rapid global transformation. Participants will examine how leaders can respond effectively to evolving social, political, technological, and environmental challenges while maintaining clarity, adaptability, and ethical responsibility. The track introduces futures-oriented approaches to leadership and encourages participants to think critically about the emerging trends and systems shaping the future of work, governance, and international cooperation. Participants will reflect on the role of women’s leadership in contributing to more inclusive, resilient, and peaceful futures, while strengthening their ability to navigate ambiguity and lead through change.
Methodology
The programme adopts a participatory and reflective learning approach anchored in dialogue, experiential learning, and peer exchange. The methodology is designed to create a collaborative and supportive environment in which participants can engage critically with leadership approaches while reflecting on their own professional experiences and aspirations.
Through experiential learning, participants will engage in practical based exercises that support their professional and personal growth. UNITAR will employ various pedagogies to enhance learning and behavioural change, with the aim to challenge participants in a safe environment where they can share lessons learned and strengthen their networks and understanding of the world. Through peer-to-peer learning, experience sharing, and activities participants will gain practical skills as well as have the opportunity to reflect on and further develop their own leadership style.
Targeted Audience
The programme is designed for self-identifying women professionals with approximately 4 to 7 years of professional experience in the broader sustaining peace ecosystem who are seeking to strengthen their leadership capacity, reflect on their professional trajectory, and prepare for the next stage of their careers. The programme welcomes participants from diverse cultural, professional, and geographic backgrounds who are committed to inclusive leadership and contributing positively to their communities.
Additional Information
UNITAR will be responsible for the overall design, coordination and implementation of the She Leads for Peace Summer School. It will liaise with participants on a regular basis prior to the activity's implementation in order to ensure a smooth and flawless organisation for everyone involved.
The participants are responsible for purchasing their own travel tickets to and from Geneva, booking accommodation, as well as applying for a visa to Switzerland (if required).
1. What is included in the cost of the programme?
- A world-class programme led by experts from the world of peace and multilateralism, tailored to the specific needs and interests of the target audience
- Presentations from practitioners and thought leaders in the field of peace and security;
- A personal leadership journal and tailored learning resources;
- Opportunities for intergenerational exchange with women trailblazers;
- Access to an international professional network of strong women working towards the common goal of greater women’s leadership;
- Guidance and advice from professionals on how to navigate a career in the wider peace and security field;
- Coffee breaks and lunches on course days.
2. How much time will be spent on each track?
While the tracks of the programme will overlap and build on one another, the approximate breakdown is as follows:
Track one: Personal Leadership – 50%
Track two: Experience Sharing: Learning from Trailblazers – 30%
Track Three: Leadership in Complexity and Futures Thinking – 20%
3. How much professional experience should I have to apply to the programme?
It is recommended participants have 4-7 years professional experience. If you are unsure about whether you fit the profile, do not hesitate to reach out before applying.
4. Where will I be staying during the programme?
Accommodations are not included in the cost of the course. Participants will be responsible for booking their own accommodation. Upon request, UNITAR will provide a list of suggested hotels and hostels for participants to reference.
5. Are there any scholarships available?
Unfortunately, at this moment UNITAR is unable to offer any scholarships for the programme. We hope to be able to provide them in the future. Should they become available, scholarship opportunities will be published on the event page.
6. If accepted, I will need a letter to support my visa application for Switzerland, will UNITAR provide one?
Yes, UNITAR will provide a visa support letter. Applicants are responsible for the visa application process. In exceptional cases UNITAR can support with the visa application process. This needs to be discussed on a case-by-case basis.
7. Will I get a certificate at the end of the course?
Yes, all participants who attend at least 80% of the course will receive a UNITAR certificate.
Data Protection and Privacy
The personal data of participants applying for, registering for or participating in UNITAR's training courses and other events is governed by the Data Protection and Privacy Policy. By applying for, registering for or participating in this event, the participant acknowledges that he or she is, (or they are) aware of the policy and agree to its terms.