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Women in Leadership Scholarship Competition 2026

The Women in Leadership MBA scholarship is a collaboration between Henley, the 30% Club and Financial Times.

Download Women in Leadership Scholarship form
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Women in Leadership Scholarship

What is the Women in Leadership scholarship?

Now in its thirteenth year, the Women in Leadership competition will give one winner a fully-funded place worth up to £52,000 on our part-time Executive MBA - Global or Flexible Executive MBA programme starting in September/October 2026.

The campaign reflects the shared mission of the three partner institutions to encourage gender balance in leadership teams, and practical support for the development of strong female talent.


This year's question is:

“Why is it so difficult to name and challenge inequality inside organisations, even when formal commitments to equality exist?”

Who can take part?

The competition is open to everyone, recognising that we all have a role to play in supporting women in leadership, at both an individual and organisational level. We welcome entries from those who have relevant experience in the workplace either in managing a team, running a project or planning strategy.

What can I write about?

  • Our 2026 topic is, "“Why is it so difficult to name and challenge inequality inside organisations, even when formal commitments to equality exist?”.
  • Entries need to answer the question in no more than 800 words.
  • Entries must be submitted using the official application form, which can be downloaded at the top of this page.
  • While GenAI may be used to support your planning and research, it must not be used to create your essay, and passing off GenAI content as your own work constitutes academic misconduct.

Judging panel

  • Dr Melissa Carr, Director of Henley World of Work Institute (EDI)
  • Harriet Arnold, Assistant Editor, Financial Times Special Reports
  • Ani Williams, UK Campaign Coordinator, 30% Club

Judging criteria

It is important that participants draw not only on data, research and other evidence to support their arguments but also their own personal experience, which could include examples of initiatives they have worked on, or are in the process of designing. We want submissions which make us think differently - challenge the status quo and demonstrate a real understanding of the dilemmas faced.

Up to 10 finalists will be shortlisted from all entries received by the deadline.
Participants do not need to apply for an Executive MBA place before entering this competition, but are expected to check that they qualify for entry on to the programme.

Please see our terms and conditions.

Desk

Hear from some of our highest placed entrants