2025 AWJP/DW Akademie Gender + AI Fellowship

Deadline: Aug 20, 2025

other

4 months (October 2025 – February 2026) (duration)

partially funded

Kenya

To Apply

Please visit the application link below to apply.

Opportunity Overview

📝 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:

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