Feminist Leadership Accelerator for Change Fellowship 2026

Deadline: 27-Jul-2026

The Feminist Leadership Accelerator for Change Fellowship provides a structured learning and leadership development experience for young women across Africa.

The fellowship creates a space where participants can:

• Develop feminist leadership skills
• Build confidence as social change leaders
• Learn from feminist thinkers and activists
• Strengthen community organising abilities
• Design and implement social impact projects
• Build professional and career readiness

The programme combines education, peer learning, reflection, activism, and practical community engagement.

Purpose of the Fellowship

The main goal of the FLAC Fellowship is to empower young African women to challenge inequality and lead positive social transformation.

The programme aims to:

• Build feminist consciousness
• Strengthen leadership capabilities
• Encourage community activism
• Support women’s rights advocacy
• Promote social justice movements
• Develop lifelong learning habits
• Create networks of feminist leaders across Africa

About the Soul City Institute for Social Justice (SCI)

The FLAC Fellowship is the flagship programme of the Soul City Institute for Social Justice (SCI).

SCI works to promote:

• Gender equality
• Human rights
• Social justice
• Community empowerment
• Inclusive development

Through FLAC, SCI provides young women with opportunities to develop leadership skills and participate in transformative social action.

Key Learning Areas

The FLAC Fellowship covers a wide range of feminist leadership and social justice topics.

Gender and Healing

Participants explore:

• Gender-based inequalities
• Personal and collective healing
• Emotional wellbeing
• Experiences shaped by gender systems

The programme helps participants understand how healing contributes to effective leadership and activism.

Childhood Conditioning and Recovery

The fellowship examines how early experiences influence:

• Identity
• Beliefs
• Leadership styles
• Social expectations

Participants reflect on personal growth and develop tools for overcoming limiting social conditioning.

African Feminist Epistemology and Decolonial Thought

Participants learn about:

• African feminist theories
• Indigenous knowledge systems
• Decolonial approaches
• Alternative ways of understanding power and justice

This area encourages participants to develop leadership approaches rooted in African experiences and perspectives.

Communications and Media

Participants develop skills in:

• Strategic communication
• Media engagement
• Public messaging
• Digital communication

These skills help young leaders communicate effectively and influence social change.

Feminist Storytelling

The programme teaches participants how to use storytelling as a tool for:

• Advocacy
• Awareness building
• Community engagement
• Movement strengthening

Feminist Activism and Movement Building

Participants explore:

• Social movements
• Grassroots organising
• Collective action
• Advocacy strategies

The focus is on building sustainable movements for equality and justice.

Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and Sexual and Reproductive Justice

Participants examine:

• Gender-based violence
• Human rights frameworks
• Sexual and reproductive rights
• Advocacy approaches

The training supports participants in addressing critical challenges affecting women and communities.

Feminist Leadership

The programme develops leadership skills based on feminist principles, including:

• Inclusive decision-making
• Collaborative leadership
• Accountability
• Community-centred approaches

Economic and Climate Justice Through a Feminist Lens

Participants explore connections between:

• Gender inequality
• Economic systems
• Environmental challenges
• Climate justice

The programme highlights how social and environmental issues affect communities differently.

Advocacy Campaigns and Digital Strategy

Participants learn how to develop:

• Advocacy campaigns
• Digital engagement strategies
• Social media initiatives
• Public awareness activities

Community Accelerator Project Design and Implementation

Participants design and implement practical community projects.

They learn:

• Project planning
• Community engagement
• Implementation methods
• Measuring social impact

Job Readiness and Professional Development

The fellowship also supports career development through:

• Professional skills training
• Workplace readiness
• Career planning
• Leadership development

Fellowship Structure

The FLAC Fellowship runs for:

• Duration: 12 months

The programme includes:

• Immersive learning sessions
• Peer discussions
• Leadership development activities
• Practical community projects
• Mentorship opportunities
• Collaborative learning

Who Can Apply?

The fellowship is open to young African women who meet the eligibility requirements.

Applicants must:

• Identify as women
• Be between 19 and 25 years old at the time of application
• Hold at least a high school certificate, diploma, or undergraduate degree
• Demonstrate commitment to feminist principles and social justice

Preferred Applicant Background

Preference may be given to applicants who demonstrate:

• Community leadership experience
• Activism involvement
• Commitment to women’s rights
• Social justice engagement
• Experience working with communities

Eligible Countries

Applicants must currently reside in one of the following countries:

• South Africa
• Lesotho
• Eswatini
• Botswana
• Zimbabwe

Inclusion and Diversity Focus

The programme encourages applications from:

• Young women living in rural areas
• Persons with disabilities
• Women from underrepresented communities

The fellowship aims to create inclusive leadership opportunities across different backgrounds and experiences.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit several documents as part of their application.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Applicants must provide a CV of no more than three pages.

The CV should include:

• Education background
• Leadership experience
• Community involvement
• Activism experience
• Relevant achievements

Applicants must include an example of leadership demonstrated in their community or personal life.

Motivation Letter

Applicants must submit a motivation letter explaining:

• Why they want to join the fellowship
• Their interest in feminist leadership
• Their social justice commitments
• Their community work experience
• The change they hope to create

Motivation Video

Applicants must submit a two to three-minute motivation video.

The video should explain:

• Their passion for social justice
• Their leadership journey
• Their vision for positive change
• Why they are interested in FLAC

Recommendation Letters

Applicants must provide:

• Two recommendation letters from community representatives

The letters should confirm:

• Applicant’s commitment
• Work ethic
• Leadership abilities
• Community involvement

Each recommendation letter must include:

• Recommender’s name
• Position
• Contact information
• Relationship with the applicant

Mandatory Academic Reference Letter

Applicants must also provide a reference letter from:

• A former high school educator, or
• A tertiary institution lecturer

The letter must confirm:

• Applicant’s leadership role during studies
• Academic or personal leadership qualities

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Applicants should check that they meet:

• Age requirements
• Gender eligibility
• Country eligibility
• Education requirements
• Social justice commitment criteria

Step 2: Prepare Application Materials

Applicants should prepare:

• Three-page CV
• Motivation letter
• Motivation video
• Two community recommendation letters
• Academic reference letter

Step 3: Demonstrate Leadership Experience

Applicants should highlight:

• Community projects
• Activism activities
• Volunteer work
• Leadership roles
• Social impact achievements

Step 4: Submit Application

Applicants must submit all required materials according to FLAC Fellowship application instructions.

Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Benefits of the FLAC Fellowship

Selected fellows gain:

• Feminist leadership training
• Social justice education
• Activism skills
• Community project experience
• Professional development support
• Peer networks across Africa
• Opportunities for lifelong collaboration

Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting incomplete applications
• Providing generic motivation letters
• Failing to explain social justice commitment
• Submitting weak leadership examples
• Missing recommendation letter requirements
• Providing a motivation video that does not explain personal goals

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can strengthen their applications by:

• Clearly explaining their leadership journey
• Highlighting real community impact
• Connecting personal experiences to social justice goals
• Demonstrating commitment to feminist values
• Providing authentic examples of activism
• Preparing thoughtful recommendation letters
• Using the motivation video to show personality and passion

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the FLAC Fellowship 2026?

The Feminist Leadership Accelerator for Change Fellowship is a 12-month programme that develops young African women leaders through feminist education, activism training, and community-based action.

Who can apply for FLAC Fellowship?

Women aged 19 to 25 living in South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Botswana, or Zimbabwe who demonstrate commitment to social justice can apply.

What educational qualifications are required?

Applicants must have at least a high school certificate, diploma, or undergraduate degree.

Is previous activism experience required?

Previous community leadership or activism experience is preferred but applicants should demonstrate commitment to social justice and feminist principles.

What documents are required?

Applicants must submit a CV, motivation letter, motivation video, two community recommendation letters, and one academic reference letter.

How long does the fellowship last?

The FLAC Fellowship runs for 12 months.

Are rural applicants and persons with disabilities encouraged to apply?

Yes. The programme specifically encourages applications from young women in rural areas and persons with disabilities to promote inclusive leadership development.

Conclusion

The Feminist Leadership Accelerator for Change (FLAC) Fellowship 2026 provides a powerful platform for young African women to develop feminist leadership skills, strengthen community activism, and create meaningful social change.

Through education, mentorship, storytelling, advocacy training, and practical projects, the fellowship supports a new generation of women leaders committed to equality, justice, and human rights across Africa.

For more information, visit SCI.