Application Deadline: April 15, 2026

Applications are now open for the 2026 AWJP/ DW Akademie Gender + AI Reporting Fellowship. The Africa Women Journalism Project (AWJP), in partnership with DW Akademie, invites applications from women journalists in Kenya for the second cohort of the Gender + AI Reporting Fellowship.

Artificial intelligence is increasingly shaping decisions in finance, healthcare, governance, education, and digital services. While these technologies offer new opportunities, they can also reproduce existing inequalities, amplify bias, and reshape access to information and resources.

This fellowship supports journalists to investigate how AI and digital technologies are affecting women and gender-diverse communities, while also learning how AI tools can support stronger reporting.

This fellowship builds on the first cohort of the Gender + AI Reporting Fellowship, which supported women journalists in producing original reporting on the intersection of gender and emerging technologies.

Participants will gain practical skills in gender-sensitive journalism, AI literacy, and investigative storytelling, while producing original stories for publication. You do not need to be a technology reporter or already know how to use AI tools to apply. The fellowship includes training on how AI tools can support responsible and impactful journalism.

Requirements

The program is looking for 10 women journalists who are curious, critical, and motivated to explore the intersection of gender, technology, and society.

Priority will be given to journalists reporting from the following regions:

• Coastal
• Nyanza
• Western
• Rift Valley (including Turkana)
• Central

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Women journalists based in Kenya
• Work in print, radio, television, or digital media
• Be able to participate in online training and mentorship
• Have access to a laptop and a reliable internet connection
• Demonstrate interest in reporting on gender, technology, or digital issues

Freelance journalists are welcome to apply.

Applicants must submit a letter of intent to publish from a newsroom or media outlet committing to publish fellowship stories.

Benefits

Selected fellows will receive:

• Story production microgrants
• Access to selected AI tools for journalism
• Editorial mentorship from experienced journalists
• Support with data analysis and visual storytelling
• Opportunities for networking and professional development

Duration: April – September 2026 (6 months)

The fellowship combines training, mentorship, and story production.

Training Phase

Participants will attend a series of online training sessions covering:

• AI literacy for journalist
• Gender-sensitive reporting
• Investigating the social impacts of AI
• Responsible use of AI tools in journalism
• Reporting on data, algorithms, and digital systems
  

Sessions will be led by AWJP, DW Akademie, experienced journalists, and AI experts.

Mentorship

Each fellow will receive one-on-one mentorship from experienced journalists and editors.

Mentorship will include:

• story development guidance
• editorial feedback
• support during reporting and production
  

Story Production

Throughout the fellowship, fellows will develop and publish original journalism stories examining the intersection of AI, technology, and gender. Fellows will receive editorial guidance and technical support during the reporting and production process.

Showcase and Networking

The fellowship will conclude with a public showcase of the fellows’ stories, creating opportunities to connect with media organisations, editors, and partners.

Expected Outputs

Each fellow will:

• Develop and publish four original journalism stories during the fellowship
• Explore how AI and digital technologies affect women and gender-diverse communities
• Experiment with AI tools to support reporting

Stories may explore issues related to:

• governance
• development
• finance
• education
• health
• climate

How to APply

To apply, complete the online application form and upload the following:

• Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages)
• Three samples of published work
• Four story pitches ( maximum 800 words total)
• Motivational statement (maximum 500 words)
• Signed letter of intent to publish

Application Deadline: April 15, 2026

For inquiries, contact: [email protected]

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the AWJP/ DW Akademie Gender + AI Reporting Fellowship