Gender and Justice Mentorship Programme 2026: Free Mentorship for Global South Feminist Scholars, Researchers, Writers and Activists

The Gender and Justice Mentorship Programme: Transnational Pathways to Inclusive Feminist Scholarship is inviting applications from eligible scholars, researchers, writers, activists and practitioners based in the Global South who want to develop their work for publication in international academic journals. The initiative, offered by the editorial board of Gender and Justice, aims to address structural barriers that can prevent underrepresented voices from accessing academic publishing networks, editorial expertise and international scholarly debates.

The programme provides free, structured mentorship to help participants develop research articles towards submission to Gender and Justice. Selected participants will be paired with members of the journal’s Editorial Board for three to four months, receiving guidance on academic writing, conceptual development, argument structure, feminist theory and the publication process.

The initiative is particularly relevant to people working on gender, feminist theory, queer studies, social theory, feminist activism and related forms of knowledge production. It welcomes work developed across academic, activist and creative contexts, including applicants who have not yet published in international academic journals.

The application deadline for the current round is 18 November 2026. Applicants should prepare the required documents and submit them using the official application form and email instructions.

Importantly, this is a free mentorship and capacity-building opportunity, not a funded scholarship or grant. The programme does not provide financial support, and participation does not guarantee publication. Instead, it aims to help writers strengthen their work and prepare it for the journal’s usual double-anonymous peer-review process.

Overview of the Gender and Justice Mentorship Programme

• Programme name: Gender and Justice Mentorship Programme: Transnational Pathways to Inclusive Feminist Scholarship
• Organising body: Gender and Justice Editorial Board
• Lead Editor: Katie McQuaid, University of Leeds, United Kingdom
• Opportunity type: Academic mentorship and research capacity-building programme
• Primary focus: Feminist scholarship, gender and justice, queer theory, social theory and inclusive academic publishing
• Target participants: Researchers, postgraduate and early-career scholars, independent scholars, activists, practitioners and writers based in the Global South
• Geographical requirement: Applicants must currently be based in the Global South
• Additional eligibility condition: Applicants must not have undertaken master’s-level or doctoral graduate research in the Global North
• Mentorship duration: Three to four months
• Mentoring sessions: Three to four structured online sessions
• Cost: Free of charge
• Application deadline for the current round: 18 November 2026
• Application method: Submit the application form and required documents by email
• Application email: GenderandJustice@lexnetwork.org

Applicants should consult the official programme announcement for the full conditions, application instructions and any clarifications about eligibility.

About the Gender and Justice Mentorship Programme

The Gender and Justice Mentorship Programme was established to help expand equitable access to feminist academic publishing, particularly for writers whose work and perspectives may be underrepresented in international scholarly spaces.

The Gender and Justice Editorial Board recognises that academic publishing does not operate on an entirely level playing field. Researchers and writers can face structural barriers related to access to academic networks, publishing expertise, editorial resources and familiarity with the conventions of international scholarly communication.

These barriers can affect whose research receives visibility, whose ideas circulate across countries and disciplines, and which perspectives become influential in academic debates.

The mentorship initiative seeks to address some of these challenges by connecting selected writers with members of the journal’s Editorial Board. Through structured mentoring, participants can receive guidance on developing research articles, strengthening arguments, improving academic writing and understanding the expectations of scholarly publishing.

The programme also seeks to build connections between feminist scholars, activists and practitioners across different geographical and professional contexts.

Its broader objective is to support more inclusive knowledge production and help writers from the Global South develop work that is ready for submission to an international academic journal.

Why the Mentorship Programme Matters

Access to academic publishing can be especially challenging for researchers and writers who have limited opportunities to work with experienced editors, participate in international scholarly networks or receive detailed feedback on manuscripts.

For scholars working on feminist theory, gender, queer studies and social justice, these barriers can affect the visibility of research that challenges dominant assumptions or brings attention to experiences that are insufficiently represented in international debates.

The Gender and Justice Mentorship Programme responds to these challenges in several ways.

1. Improving access to academic publishing expertise

Academic publishing involves more than conducting research and producing a manuscript. Authors must also understand how to frame a research question, develop a coherent argument, position their work within existing debates and respond to editorial feedback.

For writers who have not previously published in international academic journals, these expectations may be difficult to navigate without guidance.

Through mentorship with Editorial Board members, participants can receive support in understanding academic writing conventions and developing their manuscripts towards submission.

2. Strengthening feminist knowledge production

The programme supports writing that engages with feminist theory, praxis and knowledge production in a broad sense.

This approach recognises that feminist scholarship can emerge from universities and formal research institutions, but also from activist movements, independent research, creative practice and community-based work.

By welcoming these different forms of engagement, the programme seeks to support a wider range of contributions to feminist debates.

3. Addressing barriers experienced by Global South writers

Researchers based in the Global South may encounter unequal access to international academic networks and editorial resources.

The programme is designed to support eligible writers who are currently based in the Global South and who have not undertaken master’s-level or doctoral graduate research in the Global North.

This focus reflects the initiative’s commitment to expanding opportunities for writers whose experiences and perspectives may remain underrepresented in international academic publishing.

4. Building transnational scholarly connections

The programme provides opportunities for participants to connect with other scholars, activists and practitioners working on related issues.

These connections can support intellectual exchange, peer learning and a broader understanding of how feminist questions are explored across different national and disciplinary contexts.

5. Preparing manuscripts for journal submission

The programme’s central objective is to help participants develop research articles towards publication-ready submission.

This includes support with conceptual development, writing structure, clarity of argument and the process of positioning a manuscript within wider feminist debates.

However, receiving mentorship does not guarantee acceptance or publication. All manuscripts submitted to Gender and Justice remain subject to the journal’s usual rigorous double-anonymous peer-review process.

What Does the Programme Offer?

Selected participants will receive a structured package of mentoring and learning support over three to four months.

1. Individual mentorship with an Editorial Board member

Each selected participant will be paired with a member of the Gender and Justice Editorial Board.

The mentoring relationship is intended to provide focused guidance on the participant’s research article and its development towards journal submission.

Mentors can help writers identify areas requiring further work, reflect on the structure and presentation of their arguments, and consider how their research engages with relevant feminist debates.

The programme does not promise that mentors will write or edit an article on behalf of a participant. The emphasis is on supporting authors as they develop and revise their own work.

2. Three to four structured online mentoring sessions

Participants will take part in three to four online mentoring sessions during the three-to-four-month programme.

These sessions will focus on areas including:

• Conceptual development of the research article.
• Organisation and structure of the manuscript.
• Clarity and development of the central argument.
• Academic writing conventions.
• Positioning the work within feminist debates.
• Preparing the manuscript for journal submission.

The schedule will be flexible, with mentors and mentees agreeing on arrangements that accommodate time-zone differences and access needs.

3. Independent writing and revision

The programme requires participants to commit to independent writing and revision between mentoring sessions.

This is an important part of the mentorship process. Writers are expected to engage actively with feedback, revise their manuscripts and continue developing their arguments between meetings.

Applicants should therefore consider whether they have sufficient time to work consistently on their article throughout the programme.

4. Guidance on peer review and publishing

Academic peer review can be unfamiliar to writers who have not previously submitted work to international journals.

The programme offers editorial guidance on responding to peer review and positioning research within transnational feminist debates.

This support is intended to help participants understand the expectations of academic publishing and approach the submission and review process with greater confidence.

It does not exempt manuscripts from the journal’s regular review procedures or guarantee acceptance.

5. Capacity-strengthening workshops and resources

The programme aims to provide workshops and resources that demystify academic publishing and the peer-review process.

These activities are intended to strengthen participants’ understanding of how research articles are prepared, evaluated and developed for publication.

The supplied announcement does not specify the number, dates or exact format of all workshops and resources. Applicants should consult the programme organisers for further details.

6. Connection with a cohort of fellow writers

Participants will have opportunities to connect with other scholars and writers participating in the mentorship programme.

This cohort-based element can create space for exchanging experiences, discussing research challenges and learning from people working on related topics across different contexts.

The programme aims to build transnational connections among feminist scholars, activists and practitioners rather than treating publishing development as an entirely individual process.

Who Can Apply for the Gender and Justice Mentorship Programme?

The programme is intended for writers currently based in the Global South who are developing work related to gender, feminist scholarship, queer studies, social theory and justice.

The eligibility criteria include both geographical and educational-background conditions, as well as a connection to the programme’s intellectual focus.

1. Applicants must currently be based in the Global South

Applicants must be currently based in the Global South.

The announcement does not provide a definitive list of eligible countries. Applicants should therefore verify how the organisers interpret the Global South requirement in relation to their current country of residence or work.

The requirement concerns where applicants are currently based. The announcement does not establish nationality alone as the deciding factor.

2. Applicants must not have undertaken graduate research in the Global North at master’s or doctoral level

The programme is for writers who have not undertaken graduate research in the Global North at the master’s or doctoral level.

This is a specific eligibility condition and should be considered carefully before applying.

The supplied announcement does not explain how the organisers treat every possible educational pathway, such as joint degrees, split-site doctoral programmes or other arrangements involving institutions in different regions. Applicants whose circumstances are unclear should seek clarification directly from the programme.

3. Early-career and postgraduate researchers are welcome

The programme welcomes early-career researchers and postgraduate researchers whose work engages with gender, feminist scholarship and related areas.

Applicants do not necessarily need an established record of publication in international journals. The programme is designed in part to help writers who have not yet had such opportunities develop their work towards submission.

4. Independent scholars can apply

Independent scholars are included among the intended participants.

This means that eligible writers do not necessarily have to be employed by a university or research institution, provided that they meet the programme’s geographical and educational-background conditions and are working on a relevant writing project.

5. Activists and practitioners can apply

The programme also welcomes activists and practitioners engaged in feminist knowledge production.

This recognises that valuable insights into gender and justice can emerge through practical engagement, advocacy, community-based work and other forms of knowledge production beyond conventional academic research.

Applicants from these backgrounds should explain the focus of their writing project and how it relates to feminist theory, praxis or knowledge production.

6. Applicants must have a relevant writing project

The application requires a short abstract and outline of an article that the applicant wishes to develop through mentorship.

Applicants should therefore have a research or writing project that is sufficiently developed to describe its central focus, proposed argument and relevance.

The programme is intended to help develop a piece towards submission, rather than simply provide general academic career guidance without a specific writing project.

7. Applicants should be prepared to revise their work

Successful participation requires independent writing and revision between mentoring sessions.

Applicants should be willing to engage with feedback, rethink aspects of their argument where necessary and work towards developing a manuscript that is ready for submission.

The application does not require a polished article, and the programme explicitly welcomes writing samples that are still in draft form.

What Topics and Types of Writing Are Welcome?

The programme welcomes writing that engages with feminist theory, praxis or knowledge production, broadly defined.

Its intellectual scope is not limited to one academic discipline or a narrow set of research methods. Instead, the initiative seeks to support work that contributes to critical discussions of gender, feminism, queer scholarship, social theory and justice.

Potentially relevant areas may include the following, provided that the proposed writing genuinely engages with the programme’s stated focus.

Feminist theory and critical scholarship

Research may examine feminist concepts, theoretical debates, power relations, gendered inequalities or the production of knowledge about gender and society.

Applicants should explain how their manuscript engages with relevant feminist debates and what contribution it seeks to make.

Gender and social justice

Writing may explore questions related to gender and justice, including how social, political, economic or institutional arrangements shape experiences of inequality and inclusion.

The application should clearly identify the research question and the article’s contribution to the relevant discussion.

Queer studies and related scholarship

The programme explicitly includes work engaging with queer theory and related forms of critical scholarship.

Applicants working in this area should describe how their article contributes to feminist, gender or social-theory debates.

Feminist praxis and activism

The programme recognises feminist knowledge production across activist and practical contexts.

Writers may therefore draw on research, advocacy, community engagement or other forms of practice, provided that the proposed article fits the programme’s focus and can be developed into an appropriate scholarly submission.

Creative and interdisciplinary work

The call welcomes writing that engages with feminist knowledge production across academic, activist and creative contexts.

This allows for a broad understanding of how knowledge is produced and communicated, although applicants should make clear what article they intend to develop and how it relates to the journal’s remit.

These examples describe areas consistent with the announcement’s broad scope. They are not a definitive list of accepted article topics. Applicants should consult the journal’s aims and scope and ensure that their proposed work is appropriate for Gender and Justice.

How to Apply: Required Documents

Applicants must complete the official application form and submit four main components.

The application is designed to help the selection panel understand the applicant’s background, research project, writing ability and potential benefit from mentorship.

1. Statement of interest — maximum 300 words

Applicants must provide a statement of interest of no more than 300 words.

The statement should outline:

• The applicant’s background.
• Their current research.
• What they hope to gain from the programme.

A strong statement should make the relationship between the applicant’s experience, proposed writing project and the programme’s aims clear.

Applicants should explain why mentorship would be useful at this stage of their work and identify the specific areas in which they would benefit from guidance.

Because the word limit is short, it is important to prioritise relevant information rather than provide a lengthy account of every academic or professional experience.

2. Article abstract and outline — maximum 500 words

Applicants must submit a short abstract and outline of the article they want to develop through mentorship.

The maximum length is 500 words.

This component allows the selection panel to understand the manuscript’s focus, proposed argument and direction.

Applicants should use the abstract and outline to communicate the central research problem, the article’s main ideas and how the work relates to feminist theory, praxis or knowledge production.

The announcement does not prescribe a specific abstract structure. Applicants should follow the application form’s instructions and ensure that the proposed article is clearly described.

3. Academic writing sample

Applicants must provide a sample of academic writing.

Examples identified in the announcement include:

• A draft paper.
• A thesis chapter.
• A conference paper.
• Published work.

The writing sample does not need to be polished. The programme is specifically designed to help participants improve their work.

Applicants should therefore select a sample that gives the panel a meaningful understanding of their research, writing and engagement with the relevant subject matter.

Where possible, the sample should relate to the proposed article or demonstrate the applicant’s ability to engage with relevant feminist, gender or social-theory questions.

4. Two-page curriculum vitae

Applicants must submit a CV limited to two pages.

The CV should provide a concise overview of the applicant’s academic, research, professional or activist background.

Relevant information may include education, research interests, writing experience, publications where applicable, professional activities and involvement in relevant initiatives.

The announcement does not require applicants to have published in international academic journals. Applicants who have not yet published internationally should not interpret that absence as an automatic disqualification, provided they meet the other requirements.

Official Application Form and Submission Instructions

Applicants should use the official application form provided by the programme.

Download the application form:
Gender and Justice Mentorship Programme Application Form

After completing the form and preparing the required documents, applicants should submit their application by email.

• Email: GenderandJustice@lexnetwork.org
• Required email subject line: Gender and Justice: Transnational Pathways to Inclusive Feminist Scholarship
• Current-round deadline: 18 November 2026

Applicants should use the specified subject line so that their submission can be identified correctly.

Before sending the application, check that all four required components are included, that the statement of interest and article abstract respect their word limits, and that the CV does not exceed two pages.

The supplied announcement does not state whether incomplete applications will be considered. Applicants should therefore ensure that their submission follows all stated requirements.

How the Selection Process Works

The programme states that a selection panel will meet regularly to review proposals.

Applications are considered for a mentorship programme that pairs selected participants with Editorial Board members. The purpose is to support the development of relevant writing projects towards submission to Gender and Justice.

The supplied announcement does not specify a detailed scoring rubric, the number of participants selected in each round, or a precise notification date for the current round.

Applicants should not assume that meeting the minimum eligibility criteria automatically guarantees selection. The panel will review applications, and places in the mentorship programme are subject to selection.

Application Deadline: 18 November 2026

The deadline for the current application round is 18 November 2026.

Applicants should prepare their documents in advance to allow time to review the statement of interest, abstract and outline, writing sample, and two-page CV.

The announcement also contains a reference to an earlier panel deadline of 19 June 2026. Since that date precedes the current round’s stated deadline, applicants should rely on the explicitly stated 18 November 2026 deadline for the current round and confirm any updated instructions on the official programme page.

For clarification about submission requirements or the current application round, applicants can contact the programme using the official email address provided above.

Is the Gender and Justice Mentorship Programme Fully Funded?

The programme is free, but it does not provide financial support.

The organisers explicitly describe the initiative as a mentoring and capacity-building programme. Mentoring and resources are provided free of charge, but the call does not offer a scholarship, stipend, grant or other financial award.

Applicants should therefore distinguish between a free academic development opportunity and a funded programme.

The announcement does not state that participants will receive travel support, accommodation, a living allowance or reimbursement for other expenses. As the mentorship sessions are online, applicants should consult the organisers if they need further information about any practical participation requirements.

Will Participants Be Guaranteed Publication?

No. Participation in the programme does not guarantee publication in Gender and Justice.

The mentorship aims to help participants develop a manuscript that is ready for submission and to guide them through aspects of the peer-review process.

However, all submissions remain subject to the journal’s usual rigorous double-anonymous peer review process. This means that participation in the mentorship does not replace the journal’s regular editorial and review requirements.

Applicants should view the programme as an opportunity to strengthen their writing, improve their understanding of publishing conventions and prepare a stronger submission, rather than as a promise that their work will be accepted.

Commitment to Feminist Ethics, Care and Inclusion

The programme identifies feminist ethics of care, reciprocity and inclusivity as central principles.

The Gender and Justice Editorial Board states that it is committed to helping participants navigate linguistic and disciplinary barriers.

The call particularly encourages applications from women, LGBTQIA+ scholars, writers and marginalised groups in the Global South whose voices remain underrepresented in international publishing.

This commitment reflects the programme’s aim to broaden access to feminist scholarly communication and support a more diverse range of perspectives in international academic debates.

The announcement does not state that participation is restricted exclusively to the groups specifically encouraged. Applicants should assess their eligibility using the formal criteria and the programme’s stated geographical and educational-background requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Gender and Justice Mentorship Programme?

It is a free academic mentorship and capacity-building initiative designed to help eligible writers based in the Global South develop research articles towards submission to Gender and Justice.

2. Who can apply?

The programme welcomes early-career and postgraduate researchers, independent scholars, activists, practitioners and other writers who are currently based in the Global South, have not undertaken master’s-level or doctoral graduate research in the Global North, and are developing relevant feminist, gender, queer or social-theory work.

3. Is the programme open to people who have never published in an international journal?

Yes. The programme is specifically designed to support writers who may not yet have published in international academic journals.

4. Does my writing sample need to be a finished article?

No. The announcement states that the sample does not need to be polished. Applicants may submit a draft paper, thesis chapter, conference paper or published work.

5. What documents are required?

Applicants must submit a statement of interest of up to 300 words, an article abstract and outline of up to 500 words, an academic writing sample, and a two-page CV.

6. How long does the mentorship last?

The mentorship lasts three to four months and includes three to four structured online sessions, with independent writing and revision between sessions.

7. Is the programme free?

Yes. Mentoring and resources are provided free of charge. However, the programme does not provide financial support.

8. Does participation guarantee publication?

No. Participants receive support to develop their work towards submission, but all manuscripts are subject to the journal’s usual double-anonymous peer-review process.

9. What is the application deadline?

The deadline for the current round is 18 November 2026.

10. How do I submit my application?

Download the official application form, prepare the required documents, and email the application to GenderandJustice@lexnetwork.org with the subject line Gender and Justice: Transnational Pathways to Inclusive Feminist Scholarship.

Visit HERE to learn more about the Gender and Justice Mentorship Programme: Transnational Pathways to Inclusive Feminist Scholarship.

Conclusion

The Gender and Justice Mentorship Programme: Transnational Pathways to Inclusive Feminist Scholarship offers an important opportunity for eligible researchers, writers, activists and practitioners based in the Global South to strengthen their academic writing and develop work for international feminist publishing.

Through three to four months of structured mentorship, participants will receive guidance from members of the Gender and Justice Editorial Board, take part in online mentoring sessions, work on their manuscripts and connect with a cohort of fellow writers. The programme supports writing related to feminist theory, gender, queer studies, social theory, justice and broader forms of feminist knowledge production across academic, activist and creative contexts.

The opportunity is particularly relevant to writers who have not yet published in international academic journals and who would benefit from support in developing a research article towards submission. However, applicants must meet the programme’s specific requirements, including being currently based in the Global South and not having undertaken master’s-level or doctoral graduate research in the Global North.

The programme is free of charge but does not provide financial support, and participation does not guarantee publication. All submissions remain subject to the journal’s standard double-anonymous peer-review process.

Interested applicants should prepare the required statement of interest, article abstract and outline, writing sample, and two-page CV. The deadline for the current round is 18 November 2026.

For complete instructions, download the official application form and submit the application to GenderandJustice@lexnetwork.org using the required subject line.

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