Deadline: 04-Aug-2025
The Clooney Foundation for Justice is accepting applications for its Waging Justice for Women Fellowship. This program is designed to support early-career women lawyers in Sub-Saharan Africa who are committed to advancing justice, accountability, and equality for women and girls.
The fellowship offers year-long, fully funded placements at ten leading human rights organizations across Africa. Ten women lawyers will be selected to receive training, mentorship, and access to a global legal network. Fellows gain hands-on experience by offering legal support and contributing to cases that defend and promote women’s rights in the region.
The program has already made a significant impact. The first group of fellows worked on over 230 cases and helped more than 1,000 women and girls with legal information. In just the first four months of 2025, the current fellows have handled more than 90 cases and reached over 800 students and 15 teachers through school outreach efforts.
Fellows receive paid placements at prominent human rights organizations that focus on gender justice and strategic litigation. They benefit from mentorship by fellowship staff and host supervisors, attend at least one in-person convening, and participate in an online training series led by human rights experts. Fellows also gain networking opportunities with global leaders in the legal and advocacy fields and join an alumni network for continued collaboration and support.
During the fellowship, participants are expected to support the legal work of their host organizations. This may include legal research, assistance, advocacy, representation, and participation in events. Fellows must also identify and contribute to a strategic litigation case and conduct at least two outreach activities at schools or universities focused on women’s rights.
To be eligible, applicants must hold a law degree and be admitted to practice law in the country of the host organization. Fellows must have the legal right to work in the host country, which includes The Gambia, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Sierra Leone, South Africa, and Tanzania. Some regional organizations, such as IHRDA and PALU, may accept candidates from other African countries and assist with relocation and permits.
Applicants should have at least two years of legal experience post-qualification but generally no more than five. Preference is given to those with experience in women’s rights and human rights organizations.
Ideal candidates will be passionate about gender equality and aligned with the mission of the Clooney Foundation for Justice. They should have strong legal and analytical skills, be excellent communicators, and demonstrate initiative, teamwork, and creativity in advancing justice. Experience working with survivors, applying gender-sensitive approaches, and a willingness to travel are additional assets. Fluency in English is required, and knowledge of other relevant languages is a plus.
For more information, visit CFJ.
