About the Fellowship
The Accelerating African Women’s Leadership in Climate Action Fellowship aims to amplify the leadership of African women in climate change, focusing on smallholder farmers’ adaptive capacities. This initiative, driven by AWARD (African Women in Agricultural Research and Development), seeks to empower women to lead in climate change solutions that cater specifically to the needs of smallholders in the African agrifood systems.
Through this Fellowship, AWARD aims to strengthen the leadership and negotiation skills of African women climate professionals. The program also emphasizes the importance of integrating gender considerations into climate research and practice, amplifying the voices of African women in global and regional climate dialogues.
Objectives
- Leadership Development: Enhance the leadership, mentoring, and negotiation skills of African women climate professionals.
- Gender Integration: Empower participants to incorporate gender perspectives in their research and practice.
- Visibility and Advocacy: Increase the visibility of African women in climate change discussions and amplify their voices in global and regional forums.
Selection Process
The Fellowship targets high-potential women climate professionals who will be selected through a competitive process. Applicants will be reviewed based on their experience, expertise, knowledge gaps, and contributions to climate adaptation. Successful candidates will be paired with seasoned experts and will have the opportunity to mentor early-career climate researchers.
Fellowship Package
The two-year blended program includes:
- Training Events: Virtual and in-person sessions on leadership, negotiation, and gender integration in climate change.
- Coaching and Mentoring: Group and individual coaching alongside a comprehensive mentoring program.
- Collaborative Projects: Development of Climate Research and Innovation Projects (CRIPs).
- Exposure and Networking: Opportunities for speaking engagements, masterclasses, and participation in in-country role modeling events.
- Certification: Participants who complete all activities will receive a certificate of completion and join an elite network of experts and food systems champions.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Nationality: Women from Benin, Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, and Senegal.
- Academic Qualifications: Minimum of a master’s degree in a relevant discipline.
- Experience: At least five years of relevant work experience, with demonstrated contributions to gender and climate change.
- Professional Engagement: Active involvement in finding solutions to climate change through various sectors, including government, NGOs, and the private sector.
- Residency: Must reside in an African country throughout the Fellowship period.
