Apply for the Women’s Human Rights Training Institute 2026 in Bulgaria for Lawyers and Legal Experts
Lawyers and legal professionals passionate about advancing gender equality and defending women’s rights now have an exceptional opportunity to participate in the 10th Round of the Women’s Human Rights Training Institute (WHRTI-10), a fully funded international programme designed to strengthen legal advocacy and leadership in women’s rights.
Organized by the Bulgarian Gender Research Foundation (BGRF) in partnership with Equality Now through the Equal Justice Academy, the programme continues a 20-year legacy of equipping legal professionals with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to promote gender justice and human rights.
Selected participants will receive full financial support, including tuition, travel costs, and accommodation in Bulgaria.
About the Women’s Human Rights Training Institute
Founded in 2004, the Women’s Human Rights Training Institute has become one of the leading capacity-building programmes for legal professionals working to advance women’s rights across Europe and beyond.
The programme focuses on strengthening the ability of lawyers and legal experts to use litigation, advocacy, and human rights mechanisms to challenge discrimination and promote gender equality.
WHRTI-10 is being delivered under the theme:
“Enhancing Women’s Rights and Agency in Times of Global Crises.”
The programme recognizes that women continue to face disproportionate impacts from conflict, economic instability, climate challenges, public health emergencies, and growing anti-rights movements.
Key Areas of Study
Participants will engage with some of the most pressing issues affecting women’s rights globally, including:
- Gender-Based Violence Against Women
- Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence
- Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights
- Social and Economic Rights
- Employment Discrimination
- Women’s Political Participation
- Violence Against Women in Public Life
- Gender Stereotyping
- Multiple and Intersectional Discrimination
- Countering Backlash Against Women’s Rights
- Disinformation and Misinformation Challenges
The curriculum combines legal theory with practical advocacy approaches that participants can apply in their professional work.
Programme Structure
The 2026 edition will follow a hybrid learning format, allowing participants to benefit from both virtual and in-person learning experiences.
Online Learning Sessions
Scheduled for July and September 2026, the online component will focus particularly on technology-facilitated gender-based violence and contemporary challenges affecting women’s rights.
In-Person Training in Bulgaria
Participants will attend an intensive six-day residential training programme in Bulgaria in November 2026.
The in-person component will explore:
- Legal feminist theories
- International and regional human rights systems
- Strategic litigation techniques
- Women’s rights advocacy strategies
- Networking and leadership development
Who Can Apply?
The programme is seeking up to 20 practising lawyers and legal experts from Europe, particularly from Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and the Newly Independent States (NIS).
A limited number of participants from other regions may also be considered.
Applicants should demonstrate:
- A strong commitment to women’s rights and gender equality
- At least one year of affiliation with a legal advocacy institution
- Professional experience in law, legal advocacy, or human rights work
- Fluency in English
The programme is particularly valuable for lawyers working in human rights organizations, public interest law, legal aid, advocacy groups, and policy institutions.
Fully Funded Benefits
Selected participants will receive comprehensive financial support, including:
- Full tuition coverage
- International travel expenses to Bulgaria
- Full-board accommodation during the residential programme
- Access to expert trainers and international legal practitioners
- Membership in a growing network of women’s rights advocates
This funding helps remove financial barriers and ensures wider participation from legal professionals committed to advancing gender justice.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Women’s rights advocates continue to play a critical role in addressing discrimination, violence, and inequality worldwide. As legal systems increasingly confront complex challenges related to technology, conflict, migration, and political polarization, specialized training has become more important than ever.
The Women’s Human Rights Training Institute provides participants with practical tools, legal expertise, and international networks that can strengthen their ability to drive meaningful change in their communities and countries.
Application Deadline
Applications must be submitted by 16 June 2026.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by 25 June 2026, and interviews will be conducted online by representatives of the Institute.
For lawyers and legal professionals committed to advancing gender equality and human rights, WHRTI-10 represents a unique fully funded opportunity to develop expertise, build international connections, and become part of a powerful community working toward justice and empowerment.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding
