The Waging Justice for Women (WJW) Fellowship 2026 by the Clooney Foundation for Justice (CFJ) is a game‑changer for early‑career women lawyers in Sub‑Saharan Africa. This unprecedented opportunity offers a fully paid, one‑year placement at elite human rights organizations focused on gender justice and strategic litigation. If you’re passionate about advancing women’s rights through impactful legal work, this is your last chance to apply before the deadline hits.
CFJ will select ten fearless women lawyers for placements across countries such as The Gambia, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Sierra Leone, South Africa, and Tanzania. Fellows gain mentorship, rigorous online training, and at least one in‑person convening, building skills to support legal clinics, outreach efforts, strategic litigation, and advocacy reform. This is not just a fellowship—it’s a career‑defining platform to drive real reform, network with top activists and academics, and become part of a growing alumni movement.
This urgent, high-impact fellowship is your transformative path to becoming a trusted legal changemaker for women and girls across Africa. Embedded in real advocacy work backed by mentorship, training, and financial support, you will help dismantle discriminatory laws—from child marriage to criminalization of survivors—and elevate access to justice at national and international levels.
Key highlights include:
Full financial support for one year to focus entirely on legal advocacy.
Placement at premier human rights NGOs engaging in court cases, policy reform, community outreach, and strategic litigation.
Support from CFJ and legal professionals across continents, and participation in forums like the Obama Foundation Girls Opportunity Alliance.
An opportunity to join a growing community of alumnae sharing resources, experience, and strategic collaboration.
If you are a 2–5 year experienced woman lawyer licensed in any eligible African country, and you believe in justice by design—not default—this is your last call to secure one of ten fully funded places for 2026. Submit your application before August 4—don’t let this rarity slip away.
This is more than a fellowship. It’s your chance to race for justice, reshape laws, and empower women through legal power.
1. Must be an African woman lawyer admitted to practice in one of the host countries: Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, The Gambia, Sierra Leone, or Liberia. Regional bodies (IHRDA, PALU) may accept applicants licensed in other African countries .
2. Must hold a valid law degree from a recognized academic institution and a current practicing certificate in the relevant jurisdiction .
3. Must have 2–5 years of post‑qualification legal experience; early‑career focus means applicants with over five years are less likely to be considered .
4. Preferred experience includes gender justice, women’s rights, human rights, or strategic litigation work.
5. Must have legal authorization or work permit to reside and work in the host country placement.
6. Applicants must be committed to participating in monthly online training, one in‑person cohort convening, mentorship sessions, and networking opportunities.
7. Fellows must contribute to at least one strategic litigation case advancing women’s rights via national, regional, or international courts or UN mechanisms.
8. Must conduct at least two outreach activities with students (schools or universities) to educate on women’s rights during the fellowship year.
9. Strong research, writing, advocacy, and communication skills (English fluent; additional regional languages a plus).
10. Demonstrated commitment to gender equality, social justice, innovation in legal strategies, and ability to work collaboratively in multicultural environments.
The fellowship spans 12 months, beginning January 2026 through December 2026, with placement at one of ten leading human rights host organizations across Sub‑Saharan Africa . Fellows receive an annual gross salary equivalent to USD 25,000, paid in local currency by their host organization. Some travel or relocation costs may be reimbursed at CFJ’s or host discretion . Additional benefits include mentorship from CFJ leadership and host supervisors, monthly online training led by legal experts, a networking in‑person convening, and access to the WJW Alumni network for ongoing collaboration.
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