Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 DAWN Fellowship Programme, which offers a unique opportunity for young women feminists from the Global South. This fellowship focuses on exploring the Political Economy of Gender-Based Violence and Conflict, aiming to nurture emerging feminist leaders with a strong dedication to women’s rights and gender justice.
The programme invites applicants to design and implement a project that deepens the understanding of how gender-based violence and conflict influence gendered power dynamics. Fellows will also be expected to elevate feminist perspectives within public conversations, contributing meaningfully to feminist scholarship and activism.
This year’s fellowship explicitly targets projects that engage with conflict-affected areas in Sudan, Palestine, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Proposals dealing with other geographic regions will not be considered during this cycle.
Who Should Apply?
- Women feminists under the age of 40.
- Applicants must originate from the Global South.
- Demonstrated commitment to feminist ideals and methodologies is essential.
- Project proposals may encompass research, advocacy, mobilization, resistance efforts, or creative work.
- All proposals must align with the fellowship’s thematic focus on the Political Economy of Gender-Based Violence and Conflict.
- Only individual applicants are eligible; submissions from organizations, groups, or collectives will not be accepted.
- Eligible project topics must pertain specifically to conflict-affected contexts in Sudan, Palestine, or the DRC.
Fellowship Benefits
- Financial Support: Fellows will receive a monthly stipend of USD 1,200 for a duration of 10 months. This funding can be utilized to cover research-related or general project costs such as materials, travel, and living expenses. It is important to note that the fellowship does not cover all project expenditures; applicants are expected to declare any additional funding sources that may complement the fellowship.
- Mentorship and Networking: Fellows gain privileged access to a vibrant network of seasoned feminist researchers, activists, and advocates, providing ongoing mentorship and support throughout the fellowship period.
- Opportunities for Dissemination: Recipients will have the chance to present their findings and publish their work through DAWN’s various platforms, enhancing the visibility and impact of their projects.
Application Requirements and Process
Applicants must complete and submit a comprehensive fellowship application, detailing their project’s objectives, research methods, anticipated outcomes, and timeline. All applications must be submitted exclusively via the official application form.
Language
Proposals must be written in English. Applicants may use translation services or AI-based tools for translating their proposals if needed. However, fluency in English is required for participating in mentorship sessions and fellowship-related exchanges since all activities will be conducted in English.
Documents to Submit
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- A letter of recommendation from a referee who is not related to the applicant.
- A statement of motivation explaining the applicant’s interest and suitability for the fellowship.
- A project budget that corresponds with the fellowship amount requested.
Selection Process
A dedicated selection committee will carefully evaluate applications based on criteria such as relevance to the theme, feasibility, originality, and potential impact of the proposed project. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview to further discuss their proposals. Only those shortlisted will be contacted.
How to Apply
The application involves three essential components, all of which must be submitted through the online application form:
- Online Application Form: Fill out the Google Form with your personal and contact information.
- Supporting Documents: Upload your CV, statement of motivation, and the letter of recommendation via the application portal.
- Fillable Application Document: Download, complete, and upload the official fillable PDF application form that contains the main proposal questions.
Important: Partial submissions or applications sent by email will not be reviewed. Only complete applications submitted before the deadline will be considered.
Key Dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 19, 2026 | Call for Applications opens |
| March 1, 2026 | Deadline for submission of applications |
| April 30, 2026 | Selection process concludes; only shortlisted applicants will be notified |
| May 1 – June 30, 2026 | The fellowship period begins, with fellows starting at their convenience within these dates |
For further details and to apply, please Visit the Official Webpage of the DAWN Fellowship Programme.
