Do you want to lead the change you wish to see in the world?
TuWezeshe Akina Dada is a transformative, year-long fellowship for Black, African and minoritised women aged 18–30. Build your voice, your network, and your power to end gender-based violence.
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. - Financial Support
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
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
- Travel & expenses: Concessionary reimbursements available for travel and out-of-pocket costs
If you need an exemption from the deposit, please email us at [email protected]
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 are now open — deadline: 31st May 2026
10 Years of Impact
- 400+ Fellows trained across the UK and Africa
- 76 Mentors recruited and active
- 5,000+ Women reached through young women’s advocacy
Our Collaborators
National Lottery Community Fund, Home Girls Unite
If your brand or organisation would like to get involved with the TuWezeshe Feminist Leadership Fellowship, contact us at [email protected]
Questions? We’re Here.
For partnership enquiries, application support, or any further information about the programme, please reach out to the Youth and Schools Team:
