Deadline: 25-Apr-2026
The Gender & AI Innovation Collective invites women’s rights organizations across Africa to co-create AI-driven solutions addressing community challenges and advancing gender equality. Participants receive technical support, mentorship, funding, and access to a collaborative learning environment to develop and pilot AI tools that reflect local needs and lived experiences.
Overview
The program supports initiatives tackling issues such as:
- Gender-based violence and technology-facilitated abuse
- Economic barriers, healthcare gaps, and education obstacles
- Limited political participation and labor rights
- Climate justice, health equity, digital justice, and civic engagement
- Inclusion for children, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ communities, and other intersecting challenges
It bridges the gap between local expertise and technical tools, enabling community-led AI innovation while reducing reliance on pre-programmed technologies that may not meet complex needs.
Program Structure
The initiative follows a three-phase approach:
- Concept Development – Structured learning modules, peer feedback, and concept papers
- Prototype Development – Building minimum viable products with AI engineers and technical support
- Pilot Implementation – Testing, refining, and ensuring solutions are safe and effective in communities
A Feminist AI Innovation Sandbox provides a secure, human rights-focused digital environment to experiment, co-create, and access open-source tools while retaining full ownership.
Funding & Support
Participants receive:
- Technical mentorship and guidance
- Funding opportunities for prototyping and testing
- Access to a network of like-minded organizations
- Capacity-building to independently manage AI technologies in the future
Eligibility
- Civil society organizations, interdisciplinary teams, or activist groups based in Africa
- Women-led or focused on women’s rights
- Mission aligned with feminist or human rights principles
- Demonstrated commitment to community engagement and participatory design
Why It Matters
The program empowers African women-led organizations to develop AI tools tailored to real community needs, promoting gender equality, social justice, and sustainable technological innovation.
How to Apply
- Confirm eligibility as a women-led or women-focused organization in Africa
- Prepare a project proposal aligned with community priorities
- Demonstrate commitment to participatory design and feminist principles
- Submit proposal according to program guidelines
FAQs
- Who can apply?
Women-led or women-focused civil society organizations, interdisciplinary teams, or activist groups based in Africa. - What issues can projects address?
Gender-based violence, economic inclusion, healthcare, education, climate justice, digital justice, civic engagement, and intersecting social issues. - What support is provided?
Technical mentorship, funding for prototypes, collaborative learning environment, and access to the Feminist AI Innovation Sandbox. - What is the program structure?
Three phases: concept development, prototype building, and pilot implementation. - Do organizations retain ownership of their AI solutions?
Yes, full ownership is maintained within the Feminist AI Innovation Sandbox. - Is prior technical expertise required?
No, technical mentorship is provided to guide AI solution development.
Conclusion
The Gender & AI Innovation Collective enables African women-led organizations to co-create AI solutions that address pressing community challenges, strengthen technical capacity, and advance gender equality and social justice across the continent.
For more information, visit <A+> Alliance.