The Women@Dior & UNESCO Program is now accepting applications for its 2026 cohort, a fully funded global education and mentorship initiative created to support young women leaders from around the world. This unique program combines the creative excellence of Christian Dior with UNESCO’s mission for inclusive, sustainable development.
Since its launch in 2017, Women@Dior has empowered more than 2,800 young women across 60+ countries, offering high-level mentorship, leadership training, and a collaborative project dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls globally.
Overview
Location: Paris, France
Program Type: Graduate Mentorship & Education (Full-Time Commitment)
Sector: Sustainable Development
Experience Level: Early Career / Graduates
Industry: Fashion & Leather Goods (Mode & Maroquinerie)
Application Window: 26 November – 31 December 2025 (11:59 PM Paris Time)
A Legacy of Creativity, Vision, and Empowerment
Christian Dior believed that “Deep in every heart slumbers a dream.” This philosophy remains central to the House of Dior, which today brings together nearly 13,500 talents in 50+ countries — all committed to learning, daring, and transmitting knowledge to the next generation.
Carrying this legacy forward, the Women@Dior & UNESCO program nurtures the leadership potential of young women and equips them with the tools, networks, and confidence to create meaningful social change.
About the Women@Dior & UNESCO Program
The program is not a job or internship opportunity at Dior or UNESCO. Instead, it runs alongside the participant’s academic studies, offering:
- Personalised mentorship with a Dior professional
- A premium online education platform with 16+ leadership courses
- Exclusive interviews and talks with global leaders from Dior, LVMH & UNESCO
- A collaborative social-impact project: “Dream for Change”
- Membership in a global sisterhood community
Participants graduate with a certificate and a powerful global network — provided all program requirements are met.
Apply for the 2026 UK ONE Youth Ambassadors Programme
Program Pillars
1. Mentorship
- Each mentee is matched with a Dior Mentor based on shared interests and goals.
- Over 300 Dior professionals serve as mentors each year.
- Mentors support:
- Career exploration
- Personal branding
- Professional development
- Leadership growth
2. Online Education Platform
Mentees access courses taught by world-renowned professors covering:
- Self-care & self-awareness
- Autonomy & confidence
- Creativity & innovation
- Women’s empowerment
- Sustainability & global citizenship
- Inclusive leadership
3. Inspiring Interview Series
Exclusive conversations with senior leaders from:
- Maison Dior
- LVMH Group
- UNESCO
Topics include:
- Gender equity
- Responsible leadership
- Inclusion & diversity
- Sustainable innovation
4. Dream for Change Project
Small global teams collaborate to design and implement a real-world initiative supporting women and girls. Projects must demonstrate:
- Social innovation
- Community impact
- Sustainability
- Practical outcomes
5. Global Sisterhood Community
A year-long network for sharing learning, attending events, and building lasting professional relationships.
Certification Requirements
To receive the official Women@Dior & UNESCO certificate, participants must:
- Complete all online courses
- Engage actively with their Mentor
- Participate in an interview series
- Deliver a meaningful contribution to the Dream for Change project
Incomplete participation will lead to disqualification from certification.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be a woman under 30 years old
- Be enrolled full-time in a higher education institution (Bachelor’s final year, Master’s, or PhD)
- Be applying for the first time
- Demonstrate:
- Leadership potential
- Passion for women’s empowerment
- Commitment to social impact
- Be proficient in English (B2 level or higher)
All academic fields are welcome — from arts and sciences to engineering, business, and fashion.
Application Review Criteria
The selection committee evaluates candidates based on:
Social Impact & Commitment
- Understanding gender equality challenges
- Demonstrated involvement in empowerment initiatives
Leadership Potential
- Teamwork, empathy, and communication
- Initiative and problem-solving
Personal Motivation
- Desire to learn, grow, and embrace mentorship
Entrepreneurial & Creative Thinking
- Past projects showing initiative or innovation
Engagement Capacity
- Ability to commit to all program activities
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- CV / Resume
- Motivation Letter (max 600 words)
- Proof of enrollment (if applying through a partner institution)
- Your motivation letter must address:
- Why you’re applying and how the program fits your goals
- Issues in women’s empowerment that matter most to you
- A past project supporting women or girls, and its real impact
Application Timeline
Opens: 26 November 2025
Closes: 31 December 2025 at 11:59 PM Paris Time
Late applications will not be accepted.
APPLY FOR THE WOMEN@DIOR AND UNESCO MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
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