The DAWN Rising Fellowship 2026 is a competitive opportunity for young women feminists from the Global South whose work advances feminist insight, visibility, and action in settings affected by conflict and crisis. Organized by Development Alternatives with Women for a New Era (DAWN), this fellowship focuses on the political economy of gender-based violence and conflict to support innovative research, advocacy, mobilisation, resistance initiatives, or creative expression that deepens understanding of how violence and conflict shape women’s lives and power relations.
This programme builds on the success of its inaugural cycle and is aimed at emerging feminist leaders who want to contribute to feminist discourse and policy on a local, regional, or international level.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the 2026 DAWN Rising Fellowship, applicants must meet all of the following:
• Be a woman feminist under the age of 40.
• Come from a Global South country.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to feminist principles and methodologies.
• Propose a project aligned with the theme The Political Economy of Gender-Based Violence and Conflict.
• Focus on one of the specified conflict-affected contexts: Sudan, Palestine, or the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
• Apply as an individual; organisational applications are not accepted.
Projects may take the form of research, advocacy, mobilisation, resistance initiatives, or creative expression.
Benefits of the Fellowship
Financial Support
• Monthly stipend of USD 1,200 for 10 months to support living and project-related expenses.
• Funds may be used for necessary materials, travel, and research activities.
Mentorship and Networking
• Access to a network of experienced feminist researchers, advocates, and activists.
• Continuous mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for exchange and collaboration with peers.
Dissemination and Visibility
• Opportunities to present and publish project outputs through DAWN’s platforms.
• Increased visibility for fellows’ work within international feminist and policy spaces.
Expectations of Fellows
Fellows must deliver tangible project outputs within agreed timelines, submit narrative reports (midterm and final), and share their work at DAWN events or forums. All outputs are to be registered under the Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 license.
Application Steps
Applicants must complete all parts of the submission to be considered:
- Online Application Form
Complete the official online form with basic personal and contact details. - Fillable Application Document
Download and complete the official fillable PDF with the core project proposal. - Supporting Documents
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Statement of motivation explaining interest and relevance
• One letter of recommendation from a referee not related to the applicant
• Detailed project budget aligned with the fellowship stipend
All application materials must be submitted exclusively via the online application portal; email or partial submissions will not be accepted.
Language Requirement
Proposals must be submitted in English. Fellows must be able to engage in mentorship and exchange activities in English.
Deadlines and Timeline
• Call for Applications Opens: 19 January 2026
• Application Deadline: 1 March 2026
• Selection Process Concludes: 30 April 2026
• Fellowship Start Period: Between 1 May and 30 June 2026 at the fellow’s convenience
Shortlisted applicants may be invited to interviews; only those shortlisted will be contacted.
Official Links and Contact
Apply and access the official application form on DAWN’s website: DAWN Rising Fellowship 2026
For inquiries, email: info@dawnfeminist.org
Notes for Nigerian/African Applicants
Women residing in Nigeria and across Africa are encouraged to apply, especially if their work intersects gender-based violence, conflict, and feminist activism. This fellowship provides funding, enhances visibility, and connects African feminist leaders with global platforms.
