The Women in Media NGO, in cooperation with the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF) and with the support of the German Federal Foreign Office under the #CivilSocietyCooperation program, announces the call for applications for the Women Leaders in Investigative Journalism — Ukraine–Europe Support Program.
The program is designed for women investigative journalists with at least three years of professional experience in investigative reporting, who work for Ukrainian national or regional media outlets and are committed to strengthening their leadership skills.
The project aims to strengthen a diverse, resilient, and European-integrated investigative journalism ecosystem in Ukraine by fostering the professional development, visibility, and leadership potential of women investigative journalists, while also enhancing cooperation with the European journalism community despite the challenges caused by Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine.
The program builds on the success of the Women Leaders in Media — Ukraine–Europe Support Program, which was implemented in 2025.
All program-related costs, including training, travel, accommodation, meals, and a participation stipend, will be fully covered by the organisers. A total of 10 women investigative journalists from across Ukraine will be selected to participate.
Participants will receive
- A series of eight professional development webinars. The topics will be developed jointly with participants based on their professional needs and challenges. At least half of the webinars will be delivered by European experts.
- Participation in an in-person conference in Ukraine (September 2026) and a two-day strategic session in Kyiv on 8–9 September 2026, creating opportunities for networking, peer support, experience sharing, and strengthening the community of women investigative journalists.
- Participation in, and the opportunity to speak at, the UNCOVERED Conference, which will take place on 17–18 September 2026 in Budapest. This will provide an opportunity to establish professional connections, exchange experiences with colleagues from across Europe, and build new international partnerships.
- A study and professional exchange visit to Berlin, Germany, from 23–28 November 2026, where participants will gain first-hand insights into European approaches to investigative journalism, media freedom, and gender equality while strengthening their international professional networks.
- An individual well-being grant to support participants’ personal well-being throughout the program.
- Up to three individual mentoring sessions with experts in investigative journalism. Participants may choose their own mentors, and the program will cover the associated costs.
- New knowledge, practical tools, professional connections, and Ukraine–Europe partnerships that will continue to benefit participants beyond the program and support them in driving change within their newsrooms and professional communities.
Eligibility criteria
Applicants must:
- be women investigative journalists professionally active in Ukraine;
- have at least three years of experience in investigative journalism at a Ukrainian national or regional media outlet;
- have English language proficiency of at least B2 level, as all activities in Germany and Hungary will be conducted without interpretation;
- be available to participate in all components of the program;
- be committed to active participation in the professional community, peer learning, supporting fellow participants, and strengthening the network of women in investigative journalism.
Previous experience in managing a team will be considered an advantage but is not a mandatory requirement.
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive cohort and particularly encourage applications from women with different backgrounds and lived experiences, including internally displaced women (IDPs), women living in rural areas, women with disabilities or mothers of children with disabilities, single mothers, women from ethnic minority communities, women whose partners serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, women from the LGBTQI+ community, and other women who face barriers to accessing professional development opportunities.
Selection process
The program is competitive. Participants will be selected based on:
- the completed application form;
- a motivation letter;
- a professional CV;
- compliance with the eligibility criteria.
Application deadline: July 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM Kyiv time. Apply here: https://forms.gle/TenovaeL1A2jEjxr9.