Expression of Interest Open for New Cohort of GenSIS Country Projects

Following the successful inception of the Gender-inclusive science institutions and systems (GenSIS) initiative in seven countries across the Global South, the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), in partnership with UNESCO, is pleased to announce that the Expression of Interest (EOI) is now open again for a new cohort of up to five additional countries.

Through this call, OWSD aims to create a pool of countries interested in receiving support to establish National Gender in Science Committees, a key mechanism for advancing gender-responsive science policies and strengthening the participation and leadership of women in science.

National Gender in Science Committees bring together stakeholders from government, academia, research institutions, civil society, and other sectors to identify barriers facing women in science and to promote evidence-based actions that support gender equality across national STI systems.

Who can apply?

The call is open to all OWSD National Chapters in eligible countries of the Global South. Applications should demonstrate commitment to working closely with national science, technology, and innovation authorities and other relevant stakeholders to establish a sustainable national mechanism for gender in science.

The new call comes after the selection of Cameroon, Egypt, Guatemala, and Sri Lanka in the first round of country projects, and builds on the experience of the three pilot countries that have already established their own National Gender in Science Committees in partnership with national science, technology, and innovation (STI) authorities (Bolivia, Rwanda and Zimbabwe).

National Chapters whose applications have not been selected during the previous call are warmly encouraged to apply again. Chapters are also invited to contact the GenSIS team for guidance and support in strengthening their applications.

How to apply

Interested applicants are invited to consult and download the application materials:

• 📄 Expression of Interest document
• ❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Please submit your application using this form: Expression of Interest for National Gender in Science Committees (National GiS Committees) .

All supporting documentation is available at the end of this page.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; National Chapters and partners are therefore strongly encouraged to submit their Expression of Interest as early as possible and not to wait until the final deadline of 30 October 2026.

Information webinar

To support interested applicants, OWSD will host an information webinar on 7 October 2026, where participants will have the opportunity to learn more about the initiative, the application process, and ask questions directly to the GenSIS team. 

Registration link: https://unesco-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/z6ZGhkhEQW244cVLVlYCeA

Important dates

• Expression of Interest opens: 15 September 2026
• Application deadline: 30 October 2026
• Information webinar: 7 October
• Announcement of selected countries: December 2026
• Indicative start of the new country projects: January-February 2027

About GenSIS

The Gender in Science, Innovation, and Sustainability (GenSIS) initiative supports countries in strengthening gender-responsive STI governance through the establishment of multi-stakeholder National Gender in Science Committees and related policy processes.

📌 Read the full background article on the GenSIS initiative here.

The dedicated GenSIS website will also be launched soon, providing additional information, resources, and updates on the initiative's activities across participating countries.

National Chapters interested in contributing to this growing network are encouraged to submit their Expression of Interest before the deadline and join a community of countries working to advance gender equality in science and innovation.

For further information, applicants are encouraged to consult the FAQs or contact the GenSIS team at GenSIS@unesco.org.