PAL Network is looking for four (4) female participants aged 18–25 and one female youth leader aged 18–29 to participate in Growing into Real Leaders – GIRL, an Erasmus+ youth exchange focused on female empowerment, feminist leadership and active community participation.
About the project
GIRL will provide a safe, inclusive and supportive environment where participants can:
- Explore power dynamics and gender inequalities;
- Develop feminist and inclusive leadership skills;
- Learn about collective and democratic decision-making;
- Strengthen their confidence, communication and teamwork;
- Connect with other young women from different cultural backgrounds;
- Turn their ideas into practical actions within their communities.
During the exchange, each participant will be encouraged to develop something she can take back to her community. This could be an initiative, workshop, awareness-raising activity or another action responding to a local need.
Who can apply?
We are looking for:
Four young women aged 18–25;
One female youth leader aged 18–29.
Applicants should:
- Be interested in leadership, gender equality, inclusion and community engagement;
- Be motivated to participate actively throughout the exchange;
- Be willing to develop a small follow-up action in their community;
- Be able to communicate in English at a level that allows active participation;
- Be available for the full duration of the youth exchange.
Priority will be given to girls and young women who face discrimination, social exclusion or other barriers, particularly discrimination based on ethnic origin. Young Roma women are especially encouraged to apply.
Location and travel conditions
The youth exchange will take place in Brussels, Belgium, from 12 to 18 December 2026.
Based on the Erasmus+ guidelines, PAL Network is primarily looking for participants living within approximately 100 km of Brussels. The indicative recruitment area stretches from Ostend and Rochefort in Belgium to Cambrai in France, Maastricht in the Netherlands and Dordrecht in the Netherlands. The maximum travel reimbursement is €56 per participant. Any travel expenses exceeding this amount must be covered by the participant.
Υoung women from other regions or countries may also apply and join under specific circumstances, respecting the eligible financial reimbursement of the programme.
Accommodation and meals will be fully covered by the Erasmus+ programme. Travel costs will be reimbursed up to the maximum amount of €56 per participant, subject to the project’s funding rules and the submission of the required travel documents.
Practical information
Activity: Erasmus+ Youth Exchange
Dates: 12–18 December 2026
Location: Brussels, Belgium
Places available: Four female participants and one female youth leader of the group
Participant age: 18–25
Youth leader age: 18–30
Working language: English
Host organisation: QUEST Network, Brussels, Belgium
Sending organisation: PAL Network, Brussels, Belgium
How to apply
Complete the application form: Registration Form Growing into Real Leaders – GIRL Youth Exchange
Application deadline: 30 of September 2026
For further information, contact: [email protected]
Join GIRL, find your voice and become a leader in your community!
