Deadline: August 4, 2025
Are you an early-career woman lawyer passionate about advancing gender justice in Africa? Applications are now open for the prestigious CFJ Waging Justice for Women Fellowship 2026 — a transformative, fully funded opportunity to build your career while making meaningful legal impact in your community.
About the CFJ Waging Justice for Women Fellowship 2026
The CFJ Waging Justice for Women Fellowship 2026 is a flagship initiative of the Clooney Foundation for Justice (CFJ) in collaboration with the Legal Empowerment Fund at the Fund for Global Human Rights. Launched in 2023, this ground-breaking fellowship supports ten outstanding early-career women lawyers from sub-Saharan Africa each year.
Fellows are placed at leading human rights and women’s rights organisations in Africa to work on high-impact legal advocacy, litigation, and grassroots empowerment for a full year.
What the Fellowship Offers
Fully Funded One-Year Placement
Successful applicants will be placed in a top-tier NGO within their home country or region for a 12-month period, beginning January 2026. Fellows will work on strategic litigation, legal representation for victims of gender-based violence, and community-level advocacy for systemic change.
Salary and Benefits
Each Fellow will receive an annual gross salary equivalent to USD $25,000, typically paid in local currency. While relocation and work authorisation expenses are generally not covered, some regional organisations offer limited support.
Professional Development
- Regular online training sessions
- In-person convenings and mentorship
- Access to international human rights networks, including the Obama Foundation’s Girls Opportunity Alliance
Fellowship Host Countries
Fellows will be matched with host organisations based in:
- Gambia
- Kenya
- Liberia
- Malawi
- Sierra Leone
- South Africa
- Tanzania
Note: While most host organisations require candidates to be licensed and resident in the country, some regional organisations like IHRDA (Gambia) and PALU (Tanzania) may accept Fellows from other African nations and offer minimal relocation/work-permit support.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is open to early-career African women lawyers who meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Hold a law degree from a recognised university
- Possess a valid licence to practise law in their country of residence or placement
- Have 2 to 5 years of post-qualification legal experience
- Demonstrate fluency in English; additional language skills are an asset
- Show a strong interest or track record in gender justice, human rights, or women’s legal empowerment
Applicants with over 5 years of post-qualification experience are not prioritised and are less likely to be selected.
Key Dates and Deadlines
- Application Deadline: 4 August 2025
- Interviews: Shortlisted candidates will be contacted in October 2025
- Fellowship Start Date: January 2026
How to Apply
Interested applicants must complete the official online application before the deadline.
🔗 Click here to apply now
🔗 Read more about the programme here
Final Thoughts
The CFJ Waging Justice for Women Fellowship 2026 offers more than just funding — it is a career-defining opportunity to drive meaningful change and join a growing network of women legal leaders across Africa. Whether you are already working in human rights or looking to transition into impact lawyering, this fellowship provides the mentorship, network, and resources you need to take the next big step.
Don’t miss the chance to be part of this powerful movement for justice and equality.
For help with proposal drafting, refining, or review, contact grantsdatabase.org today.
