Are you a woman journalist in Kenya passionate about how AI shapes women’s lives? The Gender + AI Reporting Fellowship 2026 offers a fully funded chance to dive into this topic. Organized by the Africa Women Journalism Project (AWJP) with DW Akademie, this six-month program selects 10 women journalists to create stories on AI’s effects in areas like health, education, and governance.
About the Gender + AI Reporting Fellowship
This fellowship follows a successful first group that produced strong stories on technology and gender. It targets women journalists eager to explore AI’s role in society. Fellows get training, mentorship, and tools to report responsibly on these issues. The program runs from April to September 2026 and focuses on how AI impacts women and gender-diverse groups.
Fellowship Structure
The program has clear phases to build skills and output.
Training Phase
Fellows join online sessions on AI basics for journalists, gender-sensitive reporting, and AI’s social effects. Topics cover ethics, data, algorithms, and digital systems. Experts from AWJP, DW Akademie, and others lead these.
Mentorship Phase
Each fellow pairs with an experienced editor for one-on-one guidance. This includes help with story ideas, feedback, and production support.
Story Production Phase
Fellows create and publish four original stories. These explore AI in governance, development, finance, education, health, or climate. The goal is 40 stories total across Kenyan media. Fellows also use AI tools in their work.
Showcase and Networking
The fellowship ends with a public event to share work. It connects fellows with media outlets and professionals.
Key Benefits
Selected fellows receive full support:
- Microgrants for story production.
- Access to AI journalism tools.
- Editorial mentorship.
- Help with data analysis and visuals.
- Networking events.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, you must be:
- A woman journalist based in Kenya.
- Working in print, radio, TV, or digital media (freelancers welcome).
- Able to join online sessions with a laptop and internet.
- Interested in gender, tech, or digital topics.
- Have a signed letter of intent from a newsroom.
Priority goes to journalists from Nyanza, Western, Rift Valley (including Turkana), Central, or Coastal regions.
Application Requirements
Submit these:
- CV (up to 2 pages).
- Three published work samples.
- Four story pitches (up to 800 words total).
- Motivational statement (up to 500 words).
- Signed letter from a media outlet.
Selection Process
Judges look at story idea quality, your experience, motivation, and interest in gender-tech issues. They value diversity in regions and media types. Shortlisted applicants may do a virtual interview.
Application Timeline
The deadline is April 15, 2026. Apply early for better odds.
How to Apply
Use the online form at http://bit.ly/AWJPfellowshipcall. Upload all documents there. For questions, email [email protected].
About the Organizers
AWJP helps women journalists in Africa with training, funding, and mentorship for gender-focused stories. DW Akademie, from Deutsche Welle, works worldwide on better journalism and press freedom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need AI experience?
No, training covers the basics.
Can freelancers apply?
Yes.
How many fellows?
10 women journalists.
Is it fully funded?
Yes, with grants, tools, and more.
What output is expected?
Four stories per fellow.
Is it all online?
Yes.
Need a newsroom letter?
Yes, signed.
What topics?
AI in governance, health, education, finance, climate, etc.
Networking included?
Yes, with a showcase.
Who runs it?
AWJP and DW Akademie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior AI experience to apply?
No, the program provides training on AI basics for journalists.
Can freelance journalists apply?
Yes, freelancers are welcome as long as they meet the other criteria.
How many fellows will be selected?
The program selects 10 women journalists from Kenya.
What is expected from fellows in terms of output?
Each fellow must create and publish four original stories on AI’s effects in sectors like governance, health, or education.
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