Call for 2027 Applications: I AM NALA Fellowship

Application Deadline: October 31, 2026

About I AM NALA Fellowship

Nalafem invites young African women who are refugees, internally displaced persons or stateless to apply for I AM NALA Fellowship Programme for the period of January 2027 to July 2027. The I AM NALA Fellowship will bring together and engage 20 young women political leaders from across Africa, including African women who have experienced displacement and are currently living in the diaspora. The Fellowship seeks to create a supportive and inclusive platform where young women affected by displacement can strengthen their leadership capacity, develop meaningful networks and contribute to discussions and initiatives that shape the future of their communities and countries. The Fellowship is specifically open to young women who have been displaced as a result of political crises, climate-related crises or insecurity. By focusing on women whose experiences are connected to displacement and instability, the programme seeks to support emerging leaders who understand the challenges faced by affected communities and who are actively contributing to positive change. The programme will provide fellows with capacity building, technical support, mentorship, solidarity, access to opportunities and appropriate resourcing to strengthen their leadership journeys. These opportunities are intended to support both aspiring and current political leaders in developing the knowledge, skills, networks and confidence required to participate effectively in public leadership and civic processes. Through the Fellowship, participants will also have opportunities to engage with experienced leaders, mentors and other young women across Africa. Such engagement can facilitate knowledge sharing, collaboration, alliance building and the exchange of experiences among women working in different political and social contexts. The Fellowship recognises the potential role of young women leaders in negotiations, decision-making, democratic transitions, reconciliation and peacebuilding efforts. Fellows may therefore contribute to initiatives in their countries of origin or host countries, depending on their circumstances and areas of engagement. The Fellowship provides a platform for displaced young African women with leadership aspirations or existing political and civic leadership roles to strengthen their capacities, build strategic relationships and enhance their participation in processes that affect their communities and societies.

Eligibility

Applicants must be young women aged 18–40 years who meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Leaders of a campaign or women’s group.
• Members of an existing consortium or collective focused on alliance building.
• Young women engaged in cross-conflict negotiations.
• Young women politicians currently holding political office.

We are looking for political leaders who advance one or more of the demands outlined in the Africa Young Women Beijing +25 Manifesto and who embrace Nalafem Values.

Nalafem Values

• Solidarity
• Social Justice
• Dignity
• Equity
• Decolonial Feminist Pan-Africanism

NOTE:

• If you are not a refugee, internally displaced person (IDP), displaced person or stateless person, your application will not be considered.
• Shortlisted candidates will be notified by 6 November 2026.

Fellowship Activities

• The Fellowship will include bi-monthly online sessions, including trainings and masterclasses. These sessions will provide opportunities for fellows to engage in dialogue with and learn alongside mentors who are experts and acclaimed senior leaders with extensive experience across a range of institutions and organisations.
• The Fellowship may also include potential in-person engagements.

How to Apply

If you are interested in applying as a FELLOW, please complete the full application form.

Click Here to apply