Become a Mentee of the Women@Dior & UNESCO Program: A Unique Opportunity for Young Women
The Women@Dior & UNESCO Program is a prestigious international mentoring and education initiative dedicated to empowering young women globally. Launched in 2017, this program has already supported over 2,000 talented young women from a diverse range of fields, including business, engineering, art, fashion, hospitality, communication, international relations, and more. To date, Mentees have come from over 60 countries, representing almost 90 nationalities.
The program focuses on providing personalized mentorship and education, helping Mentees grow professionally and personally. Participants are paired with Dior Mentors, who guide them through the early stages of their careers and offer valuable networking opportunities. In addition, the program fosters an environment of collaboration and support, culminating in the creation of the “Dream for Change” project, where Mentees work together to develop concrete proposals that empower young women and promote gender equality.
Key Features of the Program:
- Mentorship
Mentees are paired with Dior professionals, benefiting from personalized support in their career development. The matching process is based on compatibility and shared aspirations, ensuring a meaningful and dynamic relationship between each Mentee and Mentor. - Education Platform
The program offers access to a curated education platform, featuring over 25 online courses and exclusive interviews with leaders from Dior, UNESCO, and LVMH. Topics covered include self-awareness, creativity, autonomy, inclusion, and sustainable development. - Inspiring Interviews
Mentees gain insight from prestigious leaders in various fields, with a series of interviews focused on equity, diversity, and inclusion. These sessions are led by both leaders of Dior and the Mentees themselves. - Dream for Change Project
After completing the educational modules, Mentees collaborate in small groups to create projects that tackle the empowerment of women and girls. These projects are focused on making a tangible impact by challenging gender norms and promoting women’s rights. - Sisterhood
The Women@Dior & UNESCO Program fosters a strong sense of sisterhood, with regular events and activities that encourage connections and celebrate the power of female solidarity. - Global Conference
The program culminates in an annual conference at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, where Mentees pitch their Dream for Change projects to a distinguished jury of leaders. This conference serves as a platform for showcasing innovations in women’s leadership and empowerment.
Eligibility Criteria:
The program is open to young women who meet the following criteria:
- Age: Applicants must be under 30 years old at the time of application.
- Enrollment: Candidates must be full-time undergraduate students in their final year or postgraduate students (Master’s or PhD) at the time of application.
- Proficiency: Applicants must have proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Commitment: The program requires full commitment, as Mentees must participate in all activities and the Dream for Change project.
Selection Criteria:
Applications are reviewed based on:
- Social Impact and Advancement: A demonstrated understanding of and commitment to women’s empowerment.
- Leadership and Collaboration: Demonstrated leadership skills or potential and the ability to work effectively in teams.
- Personal Development: A strong desire for growth and self-improvement, openness to mentorship, and adaptability.
- Entrepreneurial Spirit: Initiative in launching projects or leading efforts that support women’s empowerment.
- Time Management: Ability to dedicate sufficient time and commitment to the program’s activities.
- Innovation: A creative and problem-solving mindset with a long-term vision for impact.
How to Apply:
Candidates must submit a recent CV and a motivation letter (max 600 words) answering the following questions:
- What motivates you to apply for the Women@Dior & UNESCO Program, and how do you plan to use the program to achieve your goals?
- What issue(s) related to women’s empowerment are you most passionate about, and why?
- Describe a project you’ve led that supports women’s empowerment. What impact did it have?
Program Timeline:
Applications for candidates are open from October 1st to November 25th 2024 (11:59 pm, Paris Time)
- November to December 2024: Interviews with shortlisted candidates.
- Mid-January 2025: Notification of results.
Important Reminder:
To receive the Women@Dior & UNESCO certificate, participants must engage fully with all aspects of the program, including attending courses, completing related coursework, participating in the Inspiring Interview Series, and contributing to the Dream for Change project. Failure to meet these requirements will result in ineligibility for the certificate.
The Women@Dior & UNESCO Program is not a recruitment program for internships or job placements. Instead, it is a transformative opportunity designed to empower the next generation of women leaders.
