AWJP/DW Akademie Gender + AI Reporting Fellowship 2026 for Kenyan Women Journalists

Artificial intelligence changes how we live, from banking to healthcare. But it can also create problems like bias against women. The AWJP/DW Akademie Gender + AI Reporting Fellowship 2026 helps Kenyan women journalists explore these issues through strong reporting.

This program, run by the Africa Women Journalism Project (AWJP) and DW Akademie, picks 10 women journalists. It focuses on how AI affects women and gender-diverse groups. Fellows learn skills and create stories without needing tech experience upfront.

Fellowship Goals and Focus

The fellowship looks at AI’s role in areas like finance, health, education, governance, and climate. AI brings chances for better services but can widen gaps if not checked. Fellows investigate real impacts on women in Kenya.

No tech background is required. Training covers AI basics, gender-sensitive reporting, and using AI tools safely in news work. This builds on the first group, which made original stories on gender and tech.

Priority goes to journalists from Coastal, Nyanza, Western, Rift Valley (including Turkana), and Central regions.

Who Can Apply

You must meet these rules to join:

• Be a woman journalist based in Kenya.
• Work in print, radio, TV, or digital media.
• Join online training and mentorship.
• Have a laptop and steady internet.
• Show interest in gender, tech, or digital topics.

Freelancers can apply. You need a signed letter from a newsroom or outlet promising to publish your stories.

Benefits for Fellows

Selected journalists get real support:

• Small grants to produce stories.
• Access to AI tools made for news.
• One-on-one mentorship from pros.
• Help with data analysis and visuals.
• Networking events for career growth.

The program runs from April to September 2026, six months total.

Program Breakdown

Training Phase

Online sessions teach key skills:

• AI basics for reporters.
• Reporting with a gender lens.
• Checking AI’s effects on society.
• Safe AI use in journalism.
• Covering data and algorithms.

Experts from AWJP, DW Akademie, journalists, and AI pros lead these.

Mentorship Support

Each fellow gets personal guidance:

• Help shaping story ideas.
• Feedback on drafts.
• Aid during research and editing.

Story Production

Fellows make and publish four original pieces. Stories link AI/tech to gender in fields like health or education. They get tools and advice all the way.

Showcase Event

The program ends with a public event. It shows off fellows’ work and links them to editors and media groups.

How to Apply

Fill the online form at bit.ly/AWJPfellowshipcall. Upload:

• CV (2 pages max).
• Three published clips.
• Four story ideas (800 words total max).
• Motivation letter (500 words max).
• Signed publish letter.

Deadline is April 15, 2026. Email questions to the contact provided on the site. Check the official page for full details.

Frequently Asked Questions