Young African women passionate about equality, justice, activism, and community transformation are invited to apply for the Feminist Leadership Accelerator for Change (FLAC) Fellowship 2026, a 12-month leadership development programme designed to equip emerging feminist leaders with the skills, knowledge, confidence, and networks needed to create meaningful social change.

The fellowship, organised by the Soul City Institute for Social Justice (SCI), provides a transformative learning and collaboration space where young women can develop feminist consciousness, strengthen leadership abilities, and engage in practical community action.

Applications are open for Cohort 3 of the FLAC Fellowship, with the deadline set for:

27 July 2026

The programme welcomes young women who envision a more just and equitable society and who are committed to challenging harmful systems, advancing women’s rights, and building stronger communities.

About the Feminist Leadership Accelerator for Change (FLAC) Fellowship

The Feminist Leadership Accelerator for Change (FLAC) is a flagship fellowship programme created to nurture the next generation of African feminist leaders.

The fellowship focuses on developing young women who are prepared to question inequality, challenge patriarchy, promote human rights, and lead community-based solutions.

FLAC provides a safe and collaborative environment where fellows can:

• Develop feminist awareness and leadership skills
• Learn from experienced activists and changemakers
• Engage in meaningful conversations about social justice
• Build confidence to lead community initiatives
• Connect with a network of like-minded young women
• Transform ideas into practical action

The programme encourages participants to embrace lifelong learning, feminist activism, and leadership rooted in dignity, equality, and justice.

Through this fellowship, participants are supported to become leaders who can influence positive change within their communities and beyond.

Programme Duration and Structure

The FLAC Fellowship is a 12-month leadership programme combining:

• Immersive learning sessions
• Peer discussions
• Leadership development activities
• Practical community projects
• Professional development support

Throughout the fellowship, participants explore key themes related to feminism, leadership, advocacy, justice, and community transformation.

FLAC Fellowship Modules and Learning Areas

The programme covers a wide range of topics designed to strengthen participants’ leadership capacity.

1. Gender and Healing: Childhood Conditioning and Recovery

Participants explore how personal experiences, social expectations, and gender norms influence identity and leadership.

This module focuses on:

• Understanding gender conditioning
• Personal healing journeys
• Building self-awareness
• Developing healthier approaches to leadership

2. Feminism 101: African Feminist Epistemology and Decolonial Thought

This module introduces participants to feminist theories and African feminist perspectives.

Participants learn about:

• The history and principles of feminism
• African feminist movements
• Decolonial approaches to knowledge and leadership
• Systems that influence gender inequality

3. Communications and Media Part A: Photo-Voice and Feminist Storytelling

Participants develop communication skills to share stories and advocate for social change.

Learning areas include:

• Storytelling techniques
• Using personal and community experiences for advocacy
• Visual communication approaches
• Amplifying underrepresented voices

4. Feminist Activism and Movement Building

This module focuses on creating collective action and sustainable movements.

Participants explore:

• Activism strategies
• Community organising
• Building networks for change
• Strengthening feminist movements

5. Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and Sexual and Reproductive Justice

Participants examine issues affecting women and girls, including:

• Sexual and gender-based violence
• Reproductive rights
• Access to justice
• Creating safer communities

6. Feminist Leadership: Power, Ethics, and Practice

This module develops leadership approaches based on:

• Ethical decision-making
• Understanding power dynamics
• Inclusive leadership
• Responsible community engagement

7. Economic and Climate Justice Through a Feminist Lens

Participants explore how economic inequality and climate challenges affect women differently.

Topics include:

• Economic empowerment
• Environmental justice
• Gender-responsive solutions
• Sustainable development

8. Communications and Media Part B: Advocacy Campaigns and Digital Strategy

Participants learn how to use communication tools for social impact.

Skills include:

• Designing advocacy campaigns
• Digital engagement strategies
• Online storytelling
• Public awareness initiatives

9. Community Accelerator Project (CAP): Design and Implementation

Fellows develop and implement community projects addressing real challenges.

Participants learn:

• Project design
• Implementation planning
• Community engagement
• Measuring impact

10. Job Readiness and Professional Development

The fellowship also prepares participants for future career opportunities through:

• Professional skills development
• Career preparation
• Workplace readiness
• Leadership growth

Benefits of the FLAC Fellowship

Selected fellows will gain:

• A deeper understanding of feminist leadership principles
• Skills to lead community transformation projects
• Knowledge of social justice movements
• Confidence in advocacy and public engagement
• Access to a network of young African women leaders
• Practical experience developing community initiatives
• Professional development support

The programme provides participants with both personal growth and practical tools for creating lasting impact.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements below.

Age Requirement

Applicants must be:

• Between 19 and 25 years old at the time of application.

Gender Identity Requirement

Applicants must:

• Self-identify as women.

The programme recognises women based on self-identification and welcomes all individuals who identify as women.

Educational Requirement

Applicants must have at least:

• A high school certificate,
• Diploma, or
• Undergraduate degree.

Leadership and Social Justice Commitment

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Interest in feminist leadership
• Commitment to social justice
• Passion for community development
• Engagement in activism or leadership activities

Experience supporting women’s rights initiatives is preferred.

Eligible Countries

The FLAC Fellowship is open to young women living in:

• South Africa
• Lesotho
• Eswatini
• Botswana
• Zimbabwe

Young women from rural communities and applicants with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit the following materials:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

The CV should:

• Be no longer than three pages
• Highlight leadership experiences
• Include an example of when the applicant demonstrated leadership in their community or personal life

2. Motivation Letter

Applicants must explain:

• Why they want to join FLAC
• Their interest in feminist leadership
• Their activism or community involvement
• The change they hope to create

3. Motivation Video

Applicants must submit a short video:

• Duration: 2–3 minutes
• Explaining their passion for social justice
• Describing the change they want to contribute to

4. Two Recommendation Letters

Applicants must provide two letters from community representatives who can discuss:

• Work ethic
• Leadership abilities
• Commitment to community work

The recommenders must include:

• Name
• Position
• Contact information
• Relationship with the applicant

Friends and family members cannot provide these recommendations.

5. Reference Letter From Educational Institution

Applicants must submit a reference letter from:

• A former high school educator, or
• A tertiary lecturer

The letter must confirm the applicant’s active leadership role during their studies.

How to Apply

Interested applicants must complete the online application process and submit all required documents before the deadline.

Click here for more and to apply

Application Deadline

27 July 2026

Applicants are encouraged to prepare their documents early to ensure they submit a complete application package before the closing date.

Why Young Women Should Apply

The FLAC Fellowship offers an opportunity for young African women to strengthen their leadership abilities, connect with other changemakers, and develop practical solutions to social challenges.

For young women committed to equality, justice, and community transformation, this fellowship provides a platform to learn, collaborate, and lead meaningful change.

Click here for more global fellowship opportunities