Apply Now: 2026 WJW Fellowship an initiative of the Clooney Foundation for Justice

Empowering Early-Career Women Lawyers Advancing Gender Justice Across Africa

Applications are now open for the 2026 WJW Fellowship, a transformative program for early-career women lawyers passionate about advancing gender justice and strategic litigation across the African continent.

The fellowship offers an immersive, paid opportunity to work with leading human rights organizations while gaining invaluable mentorship, training, and access to a vibrant regional network.

About the WJW Fellowship

The WJW Fellowship an initiative of the Clooney Foundation for Justice is designed to strengthen the capacity of women legal practitioners working on gender justice issues in Africa. Fellows are placed with leading national and regional human rights organizations engaged in advancing the rights of women and girls through litigation, advocacy, and legal reform.

Fellows join a growing, cross-continental network of legal advocates, receive mentorship from experienced professionals, and participate in structured training sessions to build skills in human rights law, gender advocacy, and strategic legal interventions.

What the Fellowship Offers

• Paid Work Placement: Fellows are placed with a prominent human rights organization focused on gender justice in one of the following countries: The Gambia, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Sierra Leone, South Africa, or Tanzania.
• Mentorship: Fellows receive dedicated guidance from both their host organization supervisors and WJW’s Head of Fellowships.
• Training & Convenings: Fellows benefit from an intensive online training curriculum and attend at least one in-person convening featuring renowned legal experts, activists, and academics.
• Networking Opportunities: Fellows will engage with leading practitioners and institutions, including opportunities to participate in events such as the Obama Foundation’s Girls Opportunity Alliance.
• Alumni Network: After completing the program, fellows gain lifelong access to the WJW Alumni Program, enabling continued peer support, collaboration, and professional development.

Key Responsibilities

During the fellowship, fellows are expected to:

• Support Legal Work: Contribute to their host organization’s efforts through legal research, client representation, advocacy, litigation support, and event participation.
• Advance Strategic Litigation: Identify and support at least one strategic litigation case focused on women’s and girls’ rights before national, regional, or international courts or UN mechanisms.
• Conduct Outreach: Organize and deliver at least two educational outreach sessions at schools or universities promoting awareness of women’s and girls’ rights.
• Engage in Fellowship Activities: Actively participate in mentorship sessions, training modules, and networking events throughout the fellowship period.

Who Should Apply

The WJW Fellowship is open to early-career women lawyers who meet the following criteria:

Minimum Qualifications:

• A law degree from a recognized academic institution.
• A valid license to practice law in the country of the selected host organization.
• Legal right to work and reside in the host country.
  • Note: Regional organizations such as IHRDA (The Gambia) and PALU (Tanzania) may consider applicants licensed in other African jurisdictions and offer limited relocation/work permit support. All other host organizations require local work authorization and cannot support relocation costs.

Experience:

• At least two years of post-qualification legal experience.
• No more than five years of legal practice post-qualification (as this program is targeted at early-career professionals).
• Prior experience in women’s rights, human rights, or work with civil society organizations is strongly preferred.

Desired Skills & Attributes

• A clear interest in gender equality, social justice, and human rights law
• Proven legal research and analytical abilities
• Strong writing and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in diverse team environments
• Creativity in designing legal or advocacy strategies
• Prior experience working with survivors or impacted communities is an asset
• Ability to integrate gender- and child-sensitive approaches into legal work
• Fluency in English is required; proficiency in additional languages spoken in host countries is a plus
• Willingness and ability to travel

Ready to Apply?

Apply Now to become part of a powerful movement of African women lawyers using the law to create lasting change.

For more information, including FAQs about the fellowship duration, travel expectations, and selection process, please visit the WJW Fellowship Program page.

Final Note on Diversity & Inclusion

The WJW Fellowship welcomes applications from candidates with diverse experiences and identities. The program values inclusion and recognizes the structural barriers women face in the legal profession. Women with lived experiences related to the injustices the fellowship addresses are especially encouraged to apply.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the awarding organization. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.