Gender + AI Reporting Fellowship 2026: Fully Funded for Kenyan Women Journalists
Are you a woman journalist in Kenya passionate about how AI shapes women’s lives? The Gender + AI Reporting Fellowship 2026 offers a fully funded chance to dive into this topic. Organized by the Africa Women Journalism Project (AWJP) with DW Akademie, this six-month program selects 10 women journalists to create stories on AI’s effects in areas like health, education, and governance.
About the Fellowship
This fellowship helps women journalists explore the links between artificial intelligence, technology, and gender. It follows a successful first group that produced strong stories on tech and gender issues. Fellows will learn skills to report responsibly on AI and its impact on women and diverse communities.
The program runs from April to September 2026. It focuses on sectors where AI plays a big role, such as finance, climate, and digital services. By the end, fellows aim to create at least 40 stories for Kenyan media outlets.
Program Structure
The fellowship has clear phases to build skills and output.
Training Phase
Online sessions teach AI basics for journalists, gender-sensitive reporting, and ethical AI use. Experts cover data, algorithms, and social impacts. These run at the start to prepare everyone.
Mentorship Phase
Each fellow gets personal guidance from editors and pros. This includes help with story ideas, feedback, and production support. It ensures stories are sharp and ready to publish.
Story Production Phase
Fellows produce four original stories each. Topics can cover AI in governance, health, education, finance, development, or climate. They will use AI tools to improve their work.
Showcase Phase
The program ends with a public event. Fellows share their stories and network with media leaders.
Key Benefits
Fellows receive full support:
- Microgrants for story production.
- Access to AI tools.
- Editorial mentorship.
- Help with data analysis and visuals.
- Networking chances.
This package makes it easy to focus on quality journalism without extra costs.
Who Can Apply
You qualify if you are:
- A woman journalist in Kenya.
- Working in print, radio, TV, or digital media (freelancers welcome).
- Able to join online sessions with a laptop and internet.
- Interested in gender or tech topics.
- Have a signed letter from a newsroom to publish your work.
Priority goes to journalists from Nyanza, Western, Rift Valley (including Turkana), Central, or Coastal areas.
Application Requirements
Submit these by the deadline:
- CV (up to 2 pages).
- Three published work samples.
- Four story pitches (total under 800 words).
- Motivational statement (under 500 words).
- Signed letter of intent from a media outlet.
Selection Process
Judges look at:
- Story idea quality and freshness.
- Your journalism background.
- Commitment and motivation.
- Interest in gender and tech.
- Mix of regions and media types.
Shortlisted applicants may do a virtual interview.
Timeline and How to Apply
Applications close on April 15, 2026. Apply early for better odds. Use the online form to upload documents.
For questions, email [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need AI experience?
No. Training covers the basics.
Can freelancers apply?
Yes.
How many fellows?
10 women journalists.
Is it fully funded?
Yes, with grants, tools, and mentorship.
What output is expected?
Four stories per fellow.
Is it all online?
Yes.
Need a media commitment?
Yes, a signed letter.
What topics?
AI impacts on governance, health, education, finance, climate, and more.
Networking?
Yes, with a showcase.
Organizers?
AWJP and DW Akademie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the fellowship?
Women journalists in Kenya working in print, radio, TV, or digital media, including freelancers, who have a laptop, internet, and interest in gender or tech topics.
What does the program structure include?
It has phases for training on AI and gender reporting, mentorship, producing four stories each, and a final showcase event.
Is the fellowship fully funded?
Yes, it provides microgrants, AI tools, editorial mentorship, data help, and networking without extra costs.
How do I apply?
Use the online form to submit your CV, three work samples, four story pitches, motivational statement, and a signed media letter by April 15, 2026.