Gender equality is a cornerstone of democratic societies and EU integration. Through the EU Gender Equality Strategy 2020–2025, Gender Action Plan III (GAP III), and Gender Equality Plans (GEPs) under Horizon Europe, the EU calls for structural change in how institutions promote inclusion and equal participation. The ERIK programme responds to these goals by strengthening the capacity of future leaders and decision-makers to implement meaningful reforms within their own institutions and countries.
Combining online learning with a summer school in Sweden, ERIK creates a platform for knowledge-sharing, institutional collaboration and long-term peer networking across borders. Participants will learn how to develop and monitor gender equality plans, promotes and advance inclusive leadership cultures, and apply gender-sensitive analysis into practical policy and governance scenarios.
Who Can Apply?
ERIK is open to young professionals aged approximately 22–35 from the following EU Eastern Partnership countries:
Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine.
Eligible applicants include:
- Public administrators, policy officers, or civil servants at national, regional, or local levels.
- Professionals working with EU integration, public governance, or democratic development.
- Researchers and practitioners in higher education involved in Horizon Europe or gender research.
- Employees of NGOs, think tanks, or civil society organisations with a focus on equality, governance, or policy reform.
- Specialists in HR, leadership, evaluation, or monitoring of public programmes.
Application criteria:
- Completed university degree (bachelor’s or higher)
- Relevant professional experience
- Strong motivation and interest in promoting gender equality and democratic values
- Proficiency in English (the working language of the programme)
(Note: participation from Belarus is currently paused)
We especially encourage women, individuals from marginalised groups, and men in leadership roles to apply. Promoting gender equality requires collective commitment across all sectors and identities.
