2025 AWJP/DW Akademie Gender + AI Fellowship

📝 About AWJP/DW Akademie Gender + AI Fellowship

The AWJP and DW Akademie are collaborating to launch a Gender + AI Fellowship, focusing on the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and gender. This program explores how emerging technologies impact women and gender-diverse communities in Kenya.

The fellowship equips journalists with tools and knowledge to use AI for:

• Enhancing reporting
• Analyzing large datasets
• Detecting bias
• Amplifying underrepresented voices
• Highlighting underreported gendered dimensions in tech policy, data justice, surveillance, access, and inclusion

📅 Opportunity Details

• Date Published: August 06, 2025
• Application Deadline: August 20, 2025
• Category: Fellowship, Women
• Eligible Locations: Kenya

🏗️ Fellowship Structure

Duration: 4 months (October 2025 – February 2026)

1. Training Phase

• Online trainings on AI literacy, gender-sensitive reporting, and intersections between AI and gender
• Sessions conducted by AWJP, DW Akademie, seasoned journalists, editors, and AI experts

2. Mentorship Phase

• One-on-one mentorship with senior media professionals
• Story development guidance, pitch feedback, and editorial coaching
• Support with data analysis and visualization

3. Fellowship Phase

• Fellows will work on original journalism projects supported by a stipend
• Additional support with data analysis and visualization

4. Showcase and Networking

• Final showcase event with the presentation of completed stories
• Networking opportunities with other fellows, media organizations, and project partners

🎯 Outputs

Each Fellow is expected to produce at least 4 high-quality journalistic products centered around AI and gender in the context of governance, development, finance, education, health, and climate.

Stories must be produced and published during the fellowship phase.

🎁 Benefits

• Microgrants to support story production
• Access to selected AI tools
• Editorial, data, and design support
• Visibility through partner publications
• Mentorship from leading Kenyan and international journalists
• Networking opportunities
• Certificate of completion

✅ Eligibility Criteria

This fellowship is open to women journalists who meet the following criteria:

1. Professional Affiliation

• Staff affiliated with a media organization (TV, radio, print, or digital outlets). Roles may include: reporter, editor, social media content manager, moderator
• Freelance journalists who meet all other eligibility criteria

2. Geographic Location

• Applicants must be based in Kenya, with priority given to those residing or working in Nyanza, Western, Rift Valley (including Turkana), Central, and the Coastal Region

3. Technical Requirements

• Proficient in English (written and spoken)
• Access to stable internet and a laptop or desktop computer

4. Publishing Commitment

• Submit a letter of intent to publish from an editor or media outlet
• Commitment to publish/broadcast the story within two weeks of submission and share analytics

5. Topical Interest & Commitment

• Demonstrated interest and experience in covering issues related to Gender and AI
• Strong motivation to develop impactful journalism that advances the rights of women, girls, and underrepresented groups
• Interest in gaining skills to use AI for gender-sensitive reporting

🔍 Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed based on:

• Demonstrated passion for journalism and gender storytelling
• Clarity, originality, and relevance of the proposed story idea
• Understanding of or interest in AI and gender-related issues
• Diversity of applicants across region, media sector, and topic focus
• Shortlisted candidates may be invited for a virtual interview

📜 Application Process

To apply, complete and submit the online application form here and upload the following:

1. Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages)
2. 1–2 samples of published work (provide links or upload as PDFs)
3. Story pitch (maximum 300 words): A brief proposal for a story focusing on AI and gender
4. Motivational statement (maximum 500 words)

📅 Application Deadline

20 August, 2025

📧 Contact Information

For inquiries, email: contact@theawjp.org

🌐 Additional Information

View details of the fellowship here.

Apply for the fellowship here.

• Microgrants to support story production
• Access to selected AI tools
• Editorial, data, and design support and visibility through partner publications
• Mentorship from leading Kenyan and international journalists
• Networking opportunities
• Certificate of completion