DAWN Fellowship Programme 2026 for Young Women Feminists from the Global South (USD 1,200 Monthly Stipend)

The Development Alternatives with Women for a New Era (DAWN) has announced applications for the DAWN Fellowship Programme 2026, a 10-month fellowship supporting young women feminists from the Global South working on issues related to gender-based violence, conflict, and feminist political economy.

The fellowship is designed for emerging feminist thinkers, researchers, advocates, and creatives who are committed to advancing gender justice and amplifying feminist perspectives in public discourse. Fellows will develop an individual project that critically examines how gender-based violence and conflict shape power relations, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected contexts.

For the 2026 cycle, DAWN will only consider projects focused on Sudan, Palestine, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Proposals centred on other regions will not be eligible.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be women feminists under the age of 40
• Be from the Global South
• Demonstrate a clear commitment to feminist principles and methodologies
• Submit an individual project proposal (organisations and collectives are not eligible)
• Align their proposal with the theme “The Political Economy of Gender-Based Violence and Conflict”
• Focus specifically on conflict-affected contexts in Sudan, Palestine, or the DRC
• Propose work that may include research, advocacy, mobilisation, resistance, or creative expression

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will receive:

Financial Support

• A monthly stipend of USD 1,200 for 10 months
• Funds may be used for research, project materials, travel, and living costs
• Applicants are encouraged to declare any additional funding sources, as the stipend may not cover all expenses

Mentorship and Networking

• Access to experienced feminist researchers, activists, and advocates
• Ongoing guidance and peer exchange throughout the fellowship period

Visibility and Dissemination

• Opportunities to present and publish project outcomes through DAWN’s platforms
• Increased visibility within feminist and policy spaces

Language Requirements

• All proposals must be submitted in English
• Translation or AI tools may be used for proposal writing
• Fellows must be able to participate in mentorship and discussions in English

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Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

• A completed online application form
• A detailed CV
• A statement of motivation
• One letter of recommendation from a non-related referee
• A completed fillable PDF application document containing the full project proposal
• A detailed project budget aligned with the fellowship funding

Incomplete or emailed applications will not be reviewed.

Application Timeline

• 19 January 2026 – Call for applications opens
• 1 March 2026 – Application deadline
• 30 April 2026 – Selection process concludes (only shortlisted candidates contacted)
• 1 May – 30 June 2026 – Fellowship start window

How to Apply

Applicants must complete all three mandatory components through the official application form:

1. Online application form
2. Upload supporting documents
3. Upload the completed fillable application PDF

Apply for the DAWN Fellowship Programme