Lead(H)er Fellowship 4th Cohort: Call for Applications (For young women leaders in Eastern, Southern Africa, and the Middle East)

The tripartite partnership of YouLead Africa, Plan International, and the African Union Office of the Youth Envoy is thrilled to announce the launch of the 4th cohort of the Lead(H)er Fellowship. This call for applications provides a unique opportunity for young women leaders based in Eastern, Southern Africa, and the Middle East to showcase their potential and amplify their impact.

What is the Lead(H)er Fellowship?

Lead(H)er stands for “she is a leader,” and the Fellowship is designed to nurture the skills, expertise, and aspirations of young women in Africa. The program focuses on three critical areas:

• Politics
• Economics/Business
• Peace and Security

The Fellowship aims to create a safe space for young women who have had limited exposure to regional and international opportunities, empowering them to drive impactful change at local and grassroots levels. Through this initiative, participants with a particular interest in political participation, economic governance, and peace and security can develop their leadership skills and contribute meaningfully to these fields.

Eligibility Criteria

The 4th cohort is open to young women who:

• Are not older than 25 years old.
• Are nationals or residents of the following countries: Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Lesotho, Zambia, Somalia, Sudan, Egypt, and Zimbabwe.

Program Structure

This year’s Lead(H)er Fellowship spans five months and includes both physical and virtual components:

• Physical Component: The program kicks off with an intensive one-week session held in person.
• Virtual Component: Fellows are expected to dedicate at least 10 hours per month for virtual activities, including:
  • 2 hours per week for virtual gatherings with trainers.
  • 2 hours per month for personal assignments, group work, and readings.

To facilitate participation, Fellows will receive internet packages to support their engagement in virtual sessions and the completion of assignments.

Application Details

This application process serves to identify the 4th cohort of the Lead(H)er Fellowship. Interested applicants must meet the eligibility requirements and submit their expression of interest through the provided application form.

If you are a national of a country not listed in the eligibility criteria, you are encouraged to submit your expression of interest to stay informed about other opportunities and be considered for future cohorts.

APPLY HERE

Key Dates

• Application Deadline: December 20, 2024
• Notification of Eligible Applicants: January 2025

Ready to take the first step toward becoming a transformational leader? Submit your application now and join a network of young women shaping the future of politics, economics, and peace in Africa and the Middle East!