DAWN Rising Fellowship 2026: Opportunity for Young Women Feminists from the Global South
Development Alternatives with Women for a New Era (DAWN) has opened applications for the 2026 DAWN Rising Fellowship, a prestigious opportunity supporting young women feminists from the Global South. Launching its second cycle following a highly successful inaugural fellowship in 2025, this programme nurtures emerging feminist leaders who are committed to advancing gender justice in conflict-affected contexts.
About the Fellowship
As part of its 40th-anniversary initiatives, DAWN created this fellowship to strengthen feminist research, advocacy, mobilisation, resistance, and creative expression. Each year, the fellowship focuses on a core theme within DAWN’s Political Economy of Gender framework.
The 2026 cycle continues to focus on:
The Political Economy of Gender-Based Violence and Conflict
The fellowship supports one young woman feminist to develop a project that deepens the understanding of how gender-based violence and conflict shape gendered power relations and influence women’s lives. The selected fellow will also contribute to amplifying feminist perspectives in local and international public discourse.
Geographic Focus for 2026
For this cycle, applications are accepted only for projects focused on conflict-affected contexts in:
- Sudan
- Palestine
- Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
Projects focused on other regions will not be considered.
Objectives
The fellowship aims to:
- Support innovative feminist projects related to gender-based violence and conflict.
- Increase visibility and impact of feminist perspectives on political economy issues.
- Provide platforms for young women feminists to share their work globally.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be women feminists under 40 years old.
- Be from the Global South.
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to feminist principles and methodologies.
- Submit a project aligned with The Political Economy of Gender-Based Violence and Conflict.
- Propose work focused on Sudan, Palestine, or the DRC.
- Apply as individuals (organisations or collectives are not eligible).
Fellowship Benefits
Financial Support
- A stipend of USD 1,200/month for 10 months
- Can be used toward research, materials, travel, or living costs
- Applicants must declare other sources of funding if applicable
Mentorship & Network
- Access to DAWN’s network of feminist activists, researchers, and advocates
Visibility & Publications
- Opportunities to share findings via DAWN platforms and events
- Publication under Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
Fellow Expectations
Fellows are expected to:
- Produce agreed-upon project outputs
- Meet project deadlines
- Present work at DAWN events
- Submit mid-term and final reports
Application Process
Applications must be submitted exclusively through the official online form. Email submissions will not be accepted.
Three Required Components:
- Online Application Form
- Official Fillable Application Document (PDF)
- Must include project objectives, methodology, outcomes, and timeline
- Upload through the online form
- Supporting Documents
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Statement of Motivation
- One letter of recommendation from a non-related referee
Language Requirements
- All materials must be submitted in English
- AI translation tools allowed, but fellows must be able to participate in English
Timeline
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Call for Applications | 19 January 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 1 March 2026 |
| Selection Completed | 30 April 2026 (only shortlisted applicants will be notified) |
| Fellowship Start | Between 1 May and 30 June 2026 |
Learn more: Click Here
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