Are you a young woman aged 15-19 and ready to join a global network of leaders standing up for the rights of women and girls around the world? Are you ready to work on your leadership skills? Then keep reading and find out how you could be selected for this unique program in the United States sponsored by the U.S. Embassy in The Hague!
What is the Women2Women International Leadership Program
Over 100 girls from up to 30 countries come every year to the Women2Women International Leadership Program to exchange ideas, share cultures, and build friendships that last a lifetime. In 2023, the U.S. Embassy in the Netherlands will send up to four young women to Boston, Massachusetts, for the program that will run from Thursday, July 20 through Saturday, July 29, and will be organized by Empower Peace. The U.S. Embassy in The Hague will cover all program costs, including international airfare.
The W2W program provides an educational opportunity to learn, network, and acquire leadership skills to make a difference in your community in the Netherlands. You will have the opportunity to meet and develop friendships with your peers from around the world.
The program includes team-building activities, seminars, and workshops with prominent leaders representing government, media, business, science and technology, and non-profit organizations. The sessions focus on leadership development, skills building, and cultural activities. Each year, up to 100 young women representing countries throughout the world are selected to attend, and the U.S. Embassy in The Hague will send up to four young women from the Netherlands in 2023. By participating in the program, you will also be joining a lifelong, global network of women who support each other and work together to contribute to positive change around the world.
The program will be held at a college campus in the Boston area, and adult women chaperones are available 24/7. Program participants are young women from over 30 countries, and the professional staff of Empower Peace prioritize the safety and security of all participants.
W2W 2023 will focus on “The Power of Women” and the critical need for women to promote women’s rights, social justice and to stand up to sexual harassment and gender inequality. As a delegate, you will have the opportunity to learn about the current status of women and girls around the world, as well as the social and economic progress that is possible when women and girls have the opportunity to participate fully in every aspect of society. You will meet with leading figures tackling these challenges on an international scale and develop your leadership skills so you can make a difference.
Who can apply:
We highly encourage you to apply if you enjoy learning about other cultures and countries. In addition, you are open to working with a variety of individuals and teams from many different backgrounds. You also like to learn more about government, world events, media, community activism, and business. Moreover, you have an interest in community service and you have solid leadership qualities and abilities, demonstrated by community service activities and/or other extracurricular activities. You are willing to make the most of this opportunity and to share your experiences in your community upon return.
Do you meet the following requirements?
- You identify as female;
- You are between the ages of 15 and 19;
- You have excellent English language skills.
Please note that you will have to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with a vaccine approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) prior to travel to the United States.
How to apply
To apply please complete this application form
The U.S. Embassy will select applicants based on the information provided in the application form. In the form you, will be asked several questions and you will write (4) personal statements (max 200-500 words each). The answers should be written in English.
Application Deadline: Monday, April 10
A small number of applicants will be invited to an in-person interview in English at the U.S. Embassy in The Hague on Monday, April 17 in the afternoon. The selected candidates will be announced in April 2023.
