Join the Tuwezeshe Feminist Leadership Fellowship Programme

Join the Tuwezeshe Feminist Leadership Fellowship Programme

A Fellowship Rooted in Feminist Solidarity

TuWezeshe Akina Dada is a year-long, OCN-accredited leadership programme designed to equip young Black, African and minoritised women with the skills, confidence, and networks to drive real social change.

Rooted in survivor-led, anti-racist, and community-driven principles, the fellowship nurtures bold, politically conscious leaders ready to challenge inequalities across the UK, Africa, and Europe. Led by FORWARD and Home Girls Unite, TuWezeshe is a unique bridge for collective feminist advocacy against Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).

A collaborative initiative involving FORWARD, Home Girls Unite, and a strategic network of partners across the UK, Africa, and Europe.

Everything You Need to Lead

As a fellow, you receive structured support, real funding, and a sisterhood that stays with you long after the programme ends.

Leadership Training

  • 10 weeks of comprehensive training, including a fully funded residential weekend, Built around feminist leadership principles and practical advocacy skills.

Dedicated Mentorship

  • Paired with a dedicated mentor who understands your lived experience and supports you throughout your fellowship journey and beyond. 

Social Action Grant

  • Receive £250 to fund your own social action project tackling gender inequality. Additional fundraising support is available for larger projects.

Policy Influence

  • A platform to influence national and international policy. Fellows gain access to spaces where their voices shape the systems that affect their communities. 

Pan-African Network

  • Join a cross-continental sisterhood of advocates united in feminist solidarity–connections that span the UK, Europe, and across Africa.

OCN Accreditation

  • Earn a formally accredited qualification from the Open College Network, recognising your leadership development and skills. 

Start your leadership journey now:  https://bit.ly/40Zc3CL

How the Fellowship Works

A full year of learning, action, and community–here’s everything you need to know before you apply.

Commitment & Structure 

  • Duration: 1-year programme
  • Training: 10 weeks, including a residential weekend and in-person final session
  • Residential: 24–26 July 2026 (fully funded, in London)
  • Online training: September – December 2026 (dates TBC)
  • Social action project: Implementation until September 2027

Financial Support

  • Social action grant: £250 per fellow to fund your project
  • Fundraising support: Fellows are supported to raise additional funds if their project requires more
  • Refundable deposit: £100, returned on completion of the residential
    • If you need an exemption, please email us!
  • Travel & expenses: Concessionary reimbursements available for travel and out-of-pocket costs

Are You Ready to Be a Changemaker?

We’re looking for bold, driven young women who are passionate about ending gender inequality, and ready to do something about it.

You should apply if you are:

  • A Black, African or minoritised woman aged 18–30 living in the UK
  • Passionate about social justice and ending gender-based violence
  • Committed to community change and building solidarity
  • Ready to design and lead your own social action project
  • Eager to grow as a leader and join a pan-African sisterhood

Applications now open: deadline May 31, 2026

Take Your First Step

Join a year-long fellowship that will equip you with everything you need to lead real change — from training and mentorship to funding and a global network.

Apply now: https://bit.ly/40Zc3CL

Questions? We’re Here.

For partnership enquiries, application support, or any further information about the programme, please reach out to the Youth and School Team:

[email protected]