WIIS Austria has officially launched the Mentorship Programme 2026, marking a significant step in fostering the next generation of women leaders in peace, security, and international relations. The programme is designed to connect aspiring professionals with experienced mentors, creating a space for guidance, growth, and meaningful networking.
The launch event brought together mentors, mentees, and WIIS Austria core team in a room buzzing with energy, curiosity, and excitement. Attendees experienced firsthand the power of mentorship and the strength of women’s professional networks. The programme represents a dedicated effort to support women pursuing careers in international security, providing tailored guidance, workshops, and opportunities to connect with peers and established professionals in the field.
This nine-month programme, running from January to September 2026, pairs eleven motivated mentees with six senior mentors who bring expertise, insights, and a commitment to empowering future leaders. The selected mentees will benefit from personalized mentorship, practical tools for career planning, leadership development, and exclusive networking opportunities designed to strengthen both professional and personal growth.
The launch highlighted the programme’s mission: to build a supportive, engaged community where knowledge is shared, challenges are navigated together, and ambition is nurtured. By connecting established professionals with aspiring women in Vienna, WIIS Austria aims to create lasting impact, guiding mentees toward meaningful careers in international security.
The Mentorship Programme 2026 exemplifies the transformative potential of mentorship and the importance of lifting each other up. Over the coming months, the initiative will follow the journeys of its mentees as they grow, learn, and contribute to shaping the future of international security.
Kind regards,
Bora Dika, WIIS Austria President and Mentorship Coordinator
