The UNSCR 1325 on women, peace and security, together with subsequent resolutions, constitutes the agenda for women, peace and security. The agenda states that the inclusion of women in the prevention, management and solution of conflicts is crucial for sustainable peace and security. The resolutions also highlight the need to improve the protection of women and girls against violence and the consequences of conflicts.

– Zaida Catalán was a committed and highly appreciated colleague. This scholarship is a Swedish contribution to strengthen international efforts for women, peace and security, by giving young peacebuilders the opportunity to work on these issues in the spirit of Zaida Catalán, says FBA Director-General Sven-Eric Söder.

Who can apply for the scholarship and how does it work?

The scholarship targets young peacebuilders at the beginning of their career, with a confirmed strong dedication to the women, peace and security agenda and efforts for gender equality.

For one year, the selected scholarship holders will have the opportunity to gain experience within this field and contribute to the promotion of peace and security at a civil society organization in Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) or Palestine – the countries where Zaida Catalán was on secondment from FBA. In addition, the scholarship holders will be part of capacity building and training offered by FBA.

Applicants are required to have two years of relevant work experience from the local context, and to have the intention to continue as agents of change to promote women, peace and security on the ground when the scholarship ends.

Initially, FBA only accepts applications for scholarships in the DRC and Palestine. In the future, we hope that we will be able to appoint scholarship holders in Afghanistan also. 

Terms of reference for the DRC.

Apply for the scholarship in the DRC. (application is closed).

Terms of reference for Palestine.

Apply for the scholarship in Palestine. (application is closed).

The scholarship holders will receive a package of allowances to ensure a good standard of living. FBA also covers some of the hosting organizations’ expenses for scholarship holders, som that they can have an instructive and rewarding placement as well as safe working conditions.

In order to stimulate further exchange of experiences, FBA looks into the possibility to create an alumni network for former scholarship holders.

FBA is Sweden’s expert agency for the implementation of the women, peace and security agenda.

FAQ about the scholarship.

Read more about the selection process.

Photo: Marc Nozell/Flickr

Facts about Zaida Catalán

During 2011-2016, Zaida Catalán was seconded from FBA as gender expert, serving in the European Union Police Mission for the DRC, the European Union Police Mission in Afghanistan and the European Union Police and Rule of Law Mission for the Palestinian Territory. When she was murdered in 2017, together with her colleague Michael Sharp, she was on a mission for the UN Group of Experts to DRC. It was not an FBA secondment.