Development Alternatives with Women for a New Era (DAWN) has officially announced the 2026 cycle of its fellowship program aimed at young feminist leaders across the Global South.
This initiative seeks to empower change-makers by providing them with the resources to deepen public understanding of complex gender dynamics in high-conflict areas.
The program specifically targets women under the age of 40 who demonstrate a proven commitment to gender justice and women’s rights.
By focusing on a new generation of activists, the organization hopes to amplify feminist voices within global and local public discourses.
The upcoming cycle is dedicated to exploring “The Political Economy of Gender-Based Violence and Conflict,” a theme designed to address systemic inequalities.
Projects must align with this specific focus to be considered for selection during this round.
Crucially, the 2026 funding cycle is restricted to projects engaging with three specific conflict-affected regions: Sudan, Palestine, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Proposals centered on other geographic areas will not be reviewed in this cycle.
Funding and benefits
The fellowship supports a diverse range of project types, including academic research, policy advocacy, and social mobilization.
It also welcomes non-traditional approaches such as resistance-based initiatives or creative expression.
Beyond the development of individual projects, successful applicants will be provided with an international platform to share their work.
This exposure aims to connect fellows with diverse audiences to further their impact on both local and global stages.
Application requirements and eligibility
Applicants must be individual women feminists from the Global South who adhere to feminist principles and methodologies.
note that applications from organizations, groups, or collectives will not be accepted, as the program is designed for individual fellows.
The application process is conducted entirely online and requires the submission of several key documents, including a core proposal and a motivation letter.
Candidates must also provide a current CV and a recommendation letter to support their candidacy.
Only complete applications submitted through the official online form will be reviewed by the selection committee.
The organization has emphasized that it will only contact applicants who have been successfully shortlisted.
Deadline
The application window for this fellowship officially closes on March 1, 2026. Shortlisted candidates can expect to be contacted by April 30, with the fellowship itself slated to begin between May and June of the same year.
Visit the DAWN’s call page to apply. Explore our global opportunities page for more.
Summary not available at this time.
