The AWARD Leadership Program is a transformative initiative that targets young African women from Ethiopia, Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, and Malawi who are passionate about excelling in agricultural sciences. This program, funded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York (CCNY) and implemented by African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD), is designed to cultivate a pool of skilled, confident, and impactful female leaders in the agricultural sector. The fellowship specifically aims to empower these women to take on leadership roles and foster gender integration in agriculture across Africa.
Since its launch in 2020, the AWARD Leadership Program has already impacted 75 talented women from 21 African countries, offering them specialized training in both technical and leadership skills within the agriculture sector. The program is structured to build the capacity of emerging African women in agriculture by equipping them with the tools to excel in leadership positions and drive gender equality in agricultural development. As future leaders in agriculture and agricultural research, participants are expected to inspire and lead change within their communities and the broader African continent.
To develop young women leaders in the agricultural sciences who are equipped to address key challenges in agriculture.
To foster gender inclusivity in agriculture by empowering women in agricultural research and creating opportunities for them to take up leadership positions.
To increase the participation of African women in high-level agricultural leadership roles, with a focus on research, policy development, and entrepreneurship.
Program Structure: The AWARD Leadership Fellowship program is an extensive, multi-year program that offers participants:
Leadership Training: Courses designed to enhance leadership abilities, communication skills, and strategic thinking in agriculture.
Mentoring: Participants will be paired with senior mentors from the agriculture sector to receive guidance and support in their professional journeys.
Networking: Opportunities to connect with professionals, researchers, and leaders in the agricultural sciencesacross Africa and beyond.
Practical Exposure: The fellowship provides hands-on opportunities for women in agriculture to engage with real-world challenges and find innovative solutions.
Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for the AWARD Leadership Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Age: Applicants must be 35 years old or younger at the time of application.
Educational Requirements: Must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in an agricultural science discipline from a recognized university.
Work Experience: A minimum of five years of experience in the agriculture sector is required.
Nationality: Applicants must be citizens of one of the following countries: Ethiopia, Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, or Malawi.
Current Professional Engagement: Must be actively involved in agriculture-related work in Africa.
Previous Fellowship: Not a Fellow or Laureate of any other fellowship offered by AWARD.
Why Apply? The AWARD Leadership Program is a unique opportunity for young African women passionate about agriculture to receive world-class training and mentorship. This program is ideal for those seeking to pursue careers as leaders in agricultural sciences, work towards solving gender disparities in agriculture, and create a lasting impact on Africa’s agricultural growth.
By joining the AWARD Leadership Fellowship, you’ll be part of a transformative movement that aims to change the face of agriculture in Africa and empower women in science to take on leadership roles in shaping Africa’s agricultural future.
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