Deadline: August 20, 2025
Are you a woman journalist based in Kenya and passionate about the intersection of gender and technology? The AWJP & DW Akademie Gender + AI Reporting Fellowship 2025 is now accepting applications! This four-month fellowship, running from October 2025 to February 2026, is designed to equip women journalists with editorial, technical and storytelling skills to report meaningfully on how artificial intelligence (AI) is impacting women and gender-diverse communities.
Led by the African Women Journalism Project (AWJP) in partnership with DW Akademie, the programme will empower selected fellows to produce compelling, gender-sensitive journalism on emerging technologies across sectors such as health, education, governance, finance and climate.
Why the AWJP & DW Akademie Gender + AI Reporting Fellowship 2025 Matters
The integration of AI into everyday life has profound implications for gender equality, access, and rights. Yet, African women journalists are often excluded from conversations and opportunities to report on these issues. The AWJP & DW Akademie Gender + AI Reporting Fellowship 2025 directly addresses this gap by enabling women journalists in Kenya to:
- Acquire AI literacy and gender-focused reporting skills.
- Receive microgrants and hands-on editorial mentorship.
- Produce data-driven stories that resonate locally and globally.
- Connect with media and tech professionals through networking opportunities.
Fellowship Structure
The programme is delivered in four distinct but interconnected phases:
1. Virtual Training
Fellows participate in online workshops on AI basics, gender-sensitive journalism, data storytelling, and ethics. Sessions will be facilitated by experts from DW Akademie and AWJP.
2. Mentorship
Each fellow receives individual editorial support, including data visualisation, story development assistance, and coaching from experienced journalists and editors.
3. Story Production
Fellows will publish at least four original stories during the fellowship, using AI tools and backed by microgrants. All stories must be published between October 2025 and February 2026.
4. Final Showcase
Participants will present their work at a final showcase and interact with a network of media and tech stakeholders for future collaboration and career growth.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the fellowship, applicants must:
- Be a woman journalist based in Kenya, with preference given to those in Nyanza, Western, Rift Valley, Central, and Coastal regions.
- Be working in print, broadcast, or digital media (both freelance and staff journalists are welcome).
- Have working knowledge of English, reliable internet access, and a laptop or desktop computer.
- Submit a letter of intent to publish from a media editor or organisation.
- Commit to publishing all stories within two weeks of completion and sharing audience reach metrics with organisers.
What Fellows Will Receive
- Microgrants for story development and production.
- Access to AI tools for journalism and research.
- One-on-one editorial guidance from senior editors.
- Technical and data storytelling support from AWJP’s editorial desk.
- Networking and exposure through publishing partners and final showcase.
- Certificate of completion from DW Akademie and AWJP.
Application Requirements
Applicants must prepare and submit the following:
- A CV (maximum 2 pages).
- 1–2 published work samples.
- A 300-word pitch for a proposed story focusing on gender and AI.
- A 500-word motivation letter explaining their interest and readiness.
- A letter of intent to publish from a media outlet or editor.
Key Dates and Timeline
- Application deadline: 20 August 2025
- Fellowship period: October 2025 – February 2026
- Minimum deliverables: Four published stories per fellow
Ready to Apply?
This is a valuable opportunity for Kenyan women journalists to develop a competitive edge in reporting at the intersection of technology and gender.
👉 Click here to apply now
👉 Read more about the programme
For professional assistance with your proposal drafting, refinement and review, contact grantsdatabase.org.
