The Africa Women Journalism Project (AWJP)/ DW Akademie Gender + AI Reporting
Applications are now open for the 2026 AWJP/DW Akademie Gender + AI Reporting Fellowship. The Africa Women Journalism Project (AWJP), in partnership with DW Akademie, invites applications from women journalists in Kenya for the second cohort of the Gender + AI Reporting Fellowship.
Artificial intelligence is increasingly shaping decisions in finance, healthcare, governance, education, and digital services. While these technologies offer new opportunities, they can also reproduce existing inequalities, amplify bias, and reshape access to information and resources.
This fellowship supports journalists to investigate how AI and digital technologies are affecting women and gender-diverse communities, while also learning how AI tools can support stronger reporting.
This fellowship builds on the first cohort of the Gender + AI Reporting Fellowship, which supported women journalists in producing original reporting on the intersection of gender and emerging technologies.
Participants will gain practical skills in gender-sensitive journalism, AI literacy, and investigative storytelling, while producing original stories for publication. You do not need to be a technology reporter or already know how to use AI tools to apply. The fellowship includes training on how AI tools can support responsible and impactful journalism.
The program is looking for 10 women journalists who are curious, critical, and motivated to explore the intersection of gender, technology, and society.
Priority will be given to journalists reporting from the following regions:
Applicants must:
Freelance journalists are welcome to apply.
Applicants must submit a letter of intent to publish from a newsroom or media outlet committing to publish fellowship stories.
Selected fellows will receive:
Duration: April – September 2026 (6 months)
The fellowship combines training, mentorship, and story production.
Participants will attend a series of online training sessions covering:
Sessions will be led by AWJP, DW Akademie, experienced journalists, and AI experts.
Each fellow will receive one-on-one mentorship from experienced journalists and editors.
Mentorship will include:
Throughout the fellowship, fellows will develop and publish original journalism stories examining the intersection of AI, technology, and gender. Fellows will receive editorial guidance and technical support during the reporting and production process.
The fellowship will conclude with a public showcase of the fellows’ stories, creating opportunities to connect with media organisations, editors, and partners.
Each fellow will:
Stories may explore issues related to:
To apply, complete the and upload the following:
Application Deadline: April 15, 2026
Grant Atlas