DEadline: January 15, 2026
The Rise Up Together Leadership & Advocacy Program – South Africa 2026 is a powerful initiative designed to empower visionary local leaders driving gender equity, justice, and social change in South Africa. The program offers comprehensive leadership and advocacy training, equipping participants with the tools and resources to influence laws, policies, programs, and funding to advance gender justice at both local and national levels.
About the Program
The Rise Up Together Leadership & Advocacy Program – South Africa 2026 brings together emerging and established leaders from across Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal Provinces to build their leadership and advocacy capacity. Through intensive training and practical guidance, participants will learn how to design and implement advocacy strategies that create meaningful systems change and promote equity for women, girls, and marginalized communities.
This initiative aims to identify and support civil society leaders who are passionate about advancing gender equality, strengthening community resilience, and promoting inclusive social justice movements in South Africa.
Program Structure
The program includes a blended model combining virtual sessions and a 6-day in-person Leadership and Advocacy Accelerator.
- Virtual Orientation: March 2026
- In-Person Program: April 13–18, 2026 (to be held in Gauteng, South Africa)
Participants will engage in a robust learning experience led by expert facilitators, gaining practical advocacy and leadership skills tailored to their contexts. The accelerator provides a platform for collaboration, mentorship, and strategic planning toward sustainable gender-equity solutions.
Who Can Apply
The Rise Up Together Leadership & Advocacy Program – South Africa 2026 is open to passionate leaders from Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal who meet the following criteria:
- Aged 18–60 years
- Currently working in civil society, nonprofit, media, or government sectors
- Hold leadership or decision-making roles within their organizations or communities
- Represent or work closely with marginalized populations, including women and girls with disabilities, gender-nonconforming individuals, and ethnic or religious minorities
- Proficient in English, both written and spoken
- Committed to actively participating in all sessions and activities of the program
This program welcomes individuals who are ready to use their voice and platform to promote gender justice and drive policy-level change within their regions.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: January 15, 2026
- Virtual Orientation: March 2026
- In-Person Program: April 13–18, 2026 (Gauteng, South Africa)
Program Benefits
Selected participants will receive full sponsorship to attend the Rise Up Together Leadership & Advocacy Program – South Africa 2026, which covers all costs, including:
- Transportation, accommodation, meals, and training materials
- Access to expert mentorship and coaching sessions
- Networking opportunities with advocacy leaders and changemakers
Upon completion of the accelerator, participants will be eligible to apply for up to USD $17,000 in seed funding to implement their advocacy projects. Additional funding opportunities may also be available to expand or scale successful initiatives.
Why This Program Matters
The Rise Up Together Leadership & Advocacy Program – South Africa 2026 is more than a leadership training—it’s a movement for change. By building a network of skilled advocates and leaders, the program directly supports efforts to advance gender equity, social justice, and inclusion in South Africa.
Participants become part of a vibrant global community of change leaders who are transforming systems, influencing policy, and championing equality in their communities.
How to Apply
Eligible leaders passionate about creating lasting impact are encouraged to apply before the January 15, 2026 deadline.
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
