The Women PeaceMakers Fellowship offers an exceptional opportunity for peacebuilders to engage in a cycle of learning, research, and collaboration to advance gender-sensitive peacebuilding efforts. Hosted by the Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice (Kroc IPJ) at the University of San Diego’s Kroc School of Peace Studies, the fellowship provides a platform for individuals working in the fields of gender, peace, and conflict reduction to contribute to vital research and practices aimed at creating sustainable peace.
For the 2025-2026 cohort, the fellowship will focus on the theme “Borders, Gender, and Violence Reduction”, looking to select Fellows who are committed to reducing the violence and gendered impacts of harsh border policies and fostering peaceful, inclusive practices. This year’s program is particularly seeking candidates who work or have worked on border policies through a gender lens, especially in advocacy, policy-focused research, and community engagement.
Key Information
- Application Dates: 10 – 30 March 2025
- Fellowship Dates: September 2025 – July 2026
- Residency: November 8-22, 2025, at the University of San Diego (subject to safety guidelines)
- Stipend: USD $15,000 for research and fellowship-related expenses
- Target Participants: Peacebuilders with at least five years of experience in peacebuilding, violence reduction, or related fields, and a focus on gender-responsive approaches.
The fellowship encourages applications from individuals of all genders, including transgender and non-binary people, and is open to anyone who has dedicated their work to reducing violence and fostering peace, particularly in contexts of gender and conflict.
Fellowship Focus: Borders, Gender, and Violence Reduction
For the 2025-2026 Fellowship, the Kroc IPJ seeks three Fellows who are actively working to challenge and reduce the violent and gendered impacts of border policies. The focus will be on policies rather than humanitarian relief or service provision, with an emphasis on understanding and transforming border-related violence. Potential research topics might include policies related to border walls, detention, family separation, deportation, or similar issues.
Eligible Candidates should have:
- At least five years of experience in peacebuilding, policy advocacy, organizing, or related work.
- A history of research or practice focused on gender, peace, and conflict.
- Experience engaging with communities affected by border policies, with a focus on their gendered experiences.
Candidates are particularly encouraged to apply if:
- They are working on border policy issues in the San Diego-Tijuana region.
- They have demonstrated a substantial academic or practitioner-based track record in peacebuilding and gender-sensitive approaches.
Fellowship Activities
- Residency: Fellows will spend two weeks in residency at the University of San Diego in November 2025, where they will engage in intensive learning, collaboration, and networking with fellow peacebuilders.
- Learning Lab: Fellows will work alongside Kroc School faculty and staff, contributing to research and policy development that shapes the field of peacebuilding.
- Conducting Research: Each Fellow will focus on a research project related to their work, contributing to a deeper understanding of how gendered border policies can be reformed for better peace outcomes.
- Public Engagement: Fellows will participate in events to share their work and findings with the broader public, furthering the impact of their peacebuilding initiatives.
- Requirements & Expectations: Fellows must be able to commit to all activities, collaborate within a multicultural cohort, and contribute to discussions and research efforts throughout the Fellowship year.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit the following as part of their application:
- CV
- Essay Responses (up to 300 words each):
- Describe the peacebuilding or violence reduction work you have led or currently lead related to border policy, including how gender is integrated into your work.
- How is your work on border policy connected to the communities affected by these policies? How do you collaborate with impacted communities?
- What is your greatest achievement in peacebuilding or violence reduction?
- Describe your experience with conducting research, including methodologies and data collection.
- How would the Fellowship benefit your ongoing work, and how can your experience contribute to the community at the University of San Diego and Kroc School?
- Research Proposal:
In 750 words or fewer, applicants should outline a research proposal focusing on reducing border violence using a gendered lens. This research should address policies and their implementation, not just service provision or humanitarian response. The proposal should include:- A brief abstract
- Research questions
- Methodology description
- Data collection methods
- Study participants or communities of focus
Conclusion
This fellowship is a unique opportunity for peacebuilders dedicated to addressing the intersection of borders, gender, and violence. It provides a platform for impactful collaboration and the chance to contribute to meaningful research that can shape the future of peacebuilding. The deadline for applications is March 30, 2025, so interested candidates should prepare their applications soon.
For more information and to apply, visit the Women PeaceMakers Fellowship Application Page.
Don’t miss the chance to be part of this transformative opportunity!
