Application Deadline: August 20, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2025 AWJP/DW Akademie Gender + AI Fellowship. The AWJP and DW Akademie are collaborating to launch a Gender + AI Fellowship, which focuses on the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and gender, exploring how emerging technologies impact women and gender-diverse communities in Kenya. The program will equip journalists with the tools and knowledge on how to use AI as a tool to enhance their reporting—analyzing large datasets, uncovering hidden patterns, detecting bias, and amplifying underrepresented voices in the stories they tell, highlighting underreported gendered dimensions in tech policy, data justice, surveillance, access, and inclusion.
Structure
Duration: 4 months (October 2025 – February 2026)
- Training phase
- Online trainings on AI literacy, gender sensitive reporting and intersections between AI and gender
- Online training conducted by AWJP and DW Akademie, seasoned journalists, editors, and AI experts
- Mentorship phase
- One-on-one mentorship with senior media professionals
- Story development guidance and pitch feedback, as well as editorial coaching
- Support with Data analysis and visualisation
- Fellowship phase
- Fellows will work on original journalism projects supported by a stipend
- Fellows will also receive support with data analysis and visualisation
- Showcase and Networking
- Final showcase event with the presentation of completed stories
- Networking with other fellows, media organisations and project partners
Outputs: Each Fellow is expected to produce at least 4 high-quality journalistic products: The published stories should be centred around the topics of AI and gender in the context of governance, development, finance, education, health, and climate.
Eligibility Criteria
This fellowship is open to women journalists who meet the following criteria:
- Professional Affiliation
- Staff affiliated with a media organisation (including TV, radio, print, or digital outlets). Roles may include: reporter, editor, social media content manager, moderator
- Freelance journalists who meet all other eligibility criteria.
- Geographic Location
- Applicants must be based in Kenya, with priority given to those residing or working in Nyanza, Western, Rift Valley (including Turkana), Central, and the Coastal Region.
- Technical Requirements
- Proficient in English (written and spoken).
- Access to stable internet and a laptop or desktop computer to participate in online training and mentorship activities.
- Publishing Commitment
- Must submit a letter of intent to publish from an editor or media outlet as part of the application. Commitment to publish/broadcast the story within two weeks of submission and to share analytics.
- Topical Interest & Commitment (a motivational statement with a maximum 500 words)
- Demonstrated interest and experience in covering issues related to Gender and AI
- Strong motivation to develop impactful journalism that advances the rights of women, girls, and underrepresented groups.
- Interest in gaining skills to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) for gender-sensitive reporting and to contribute to shaping inclusive AI strategies in journalism.
Benefits:
- Microgrants to support story production
- Access to selected AI tools
- Editorial, data, and design support and visibility through partner publications
- Mentorship from leading Kenyan and international journalists
- Networking opportunities
- Certificate of completion
Selection Process:
Applications will be reviewed based on:
- Demonstrated passion for journalism and gender storytelling
- Clarity, originality, and relevance of the proposed story idea
- Understanding of or interest in AI and gender-related issues
- Diversity of applicants across region, media sector, and topic focus
- Shortlisted candidates may be invited for a virtual interview
How to Apply:
To apply, please complete and submit the online application form and upload the following:
- Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages)
- 1–2 samples of published work (provide links or upload as PDFs)
- Story pitch (maximum 300 words): A brief proposal for a story you would like to develop during the fellowship, focusing on AI and gender
- Motivational statement (maximum 500 words)
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the AWJP/DW Akademie Gender + AI Fellowship
