Applications are now open for the Gender Equitable School Leadership (GESL) Alliance 2026, a global initiative that aims to strengthen gender equity within education systems by supporting organizations working directly with school leaders. The initiative is designed to empower education-focused organizations to develop and implement programs that help school leaders build more inclusive, safe, and equitable learning environments for all students.
Over the past three decades, global access to education for girls has improved significantly. However, deep gender inequalities continue to affect education systems worldwide. Challenges such as poverty, gender-based violence, and discriminatory social norms still limit opportunities for many girls and marginalized learners.
The Gender Equitable School Leadership Alliance seeks to address these issues by strengthening the leadership capacity of those who shape school culture and policies. By equipping school leaders with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to promote gender equality, the Alliance aims to create lasting improvements within education systems.
Organizations selected as partners will receive both financial and technical support to develop or expand gender-focused leadership programs while joining a collaborative international network working toward more equitable school systems.
About the Gender Equitable School Leadership Alliance
The Gender Equitable School Leadership Alliance is a collaborative global initiative led by Global School Leaders and partner organizations dedicated to transforming education systems through gender-responsive leadership.
The Alliance initially began with partner organizations in:
-
Kenya
-
Ghana
It has now expanded its network to include organizations in:
-
Nigeria
-
India
Through this expansion, the Alliance continues to build a global community of organizations committed to strengthening gender equity in education.
The program focuses on supporting organizations that work directly with school leaders, recognizing that school leadership plays a critical role in shaping educational outcomes, school culture, and opportunities for students.
Why Gender-Equitable School Leadership Matters
Despite improvements in access to education, gender inequality remains a major barrier to learning in many communities. Schools often face challenges such as:
-
Gender-based violence in educational environments
-
Cultural norms that limit girls’ participation in education
-
Unequal access to resources and learning opportunities
-
Lack of gender-responsive teaching and leadership practices
School leaders have significant influence over how schools respond to these challenges.
Effective leadership can shape:
-
School culture and values
-
Teaching practices and classroom environments
-
Policies related to student safety and well-being
-
Community engagement and parental involvement
-
Implementation of inclusive education strategies
Education systems can become more inclusive and supportive for all learners by supporting school leaders to adopt gender-equitable leadership practices.
What Selected Partners Will Receive
Organizations selected as partners in the Gender Equitable School Leadership Alliance will receive a range of financial and technical resources designed to strengthen their work.
These include:
1. Financial Support
Selected organizations will receive funding to help them:
-
Launch new gender-equitable leadership programs
-
Expand existing initiatives that support school leaders
-
Implement innovative approaches to addressing gender inequality in education
2. Technical Assistance
Partners will receive expert guidance and support from experienced education and gender equity practitioners. This support may include:
-
Program design and implementation support
-
Gender-responsive leadership training resources
-
Monitoring and evaluation guidance
-
Capacity-building support for staff and facilitators
3. Collaborative Learning Opportunities
The Alliance creates a strong community of practice where partner organizations can:
-
Share experiences and best practices
-
Learn from peer organizations across different countries
-
Participate in collaborative workshops and learning sessions
-
Exchange tools and strategies for improving gender equity in schools
4. Policy and Systems Influence
Partner organizations may also have opportunities to:
-
Contribute to education policy discussions
-
Participate in global conversations on gender equity in education
-
Influence systemic change within education systems
Who the Alliance Is Looking For
The second phase of the Alliance focuses on identifying organizations based in Nigeria and India that are committed to strengthening gender equity within schools.
Organizations that apply should ideally:
-
Have an established presence within schools or education systems
-
Work directly with school leaders or administrators
-
Be interested in integrating gender equity into leadership development programs
-
Be willing to collaborate with other organizations in the Alliance
Organizations are encouraged to apply if they:
-
Already run programs supporting school leadership development
-
Have implemented gender-focused education initiatives
-
Are interested in expanding their work to include gender-equitable leadership
-
Want to strengthen their expertise and impact in gender-responsive education
Importantly, organizations do not need to be experts in gender equity to apply. The Alliance welcomes organizations that are just beginning to explore this area and are committed to learning and improving.
Key Benefits of Joining the Alliance
Organizations that become part of the GESL Alliance will gain access to several important opportunities and resources.
Key benefits include:
-
Financial support for gender-equitable leadership initiatives
-
Technical guidance from global education and gender equity experts
-
Participation in an international network of education organizations
-
Opportunities for cross-country learning and collaboration
-
Access to shared tools, research, and implementation resources
-
Opportunities to contribute to policy and systems change in education
These benefits are designed to help organizations strengthen their programs while contributing to broader efforts to transform education systems.
Application Process
Organizations interested in applying must complete the following steps:
Step 1: Review the Request for Proposals
Applicants should begin by reviewing the Official Request for Proposals (RFP) document to ensure they meet the eligibility requirements and understand the program expectations.
Step 2: Complete the Application Template
Applicants must download and complete the Official Application Template provided by the program.
Important notes for this step:
-
All questions must be completed
-
Applicants must stay within the word limits provided
-
Responses should clearly explain the organization’s work and goals
Step 3: Submit the Application
Once the template is completed:
-
Convert the document to PDF format
-
Upload the file through the Official Application Portal
-
Provide the required organizational contact details
Applicants should review their submissions carefully before submitting the application.
Application Deadline
Organizations must submit their completed applications before 31 March 2026.
Late applications may not be considered, so applicants are encouraged to begin preparing their proposals well in advance of the deadline.
Contact Information
For questions about the Gender Equitable School Leadership Alliance or the application process, organizations can contact the Global School Leaders team.
Email: info@globalschoolleaders.org
Applicants are encouraged to review all program materials carefully and prepare a strong proposal that clearly outlines their organization’s experience, goals, and commitment to strengthening gender-equitable leadership in schools.
Visit HERE to learn more about the Gender Equitable School Leadership (GESL) Alliance 2026 programme.
