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.
We are 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:
* Nyanza
* Western
* Rift Valley (including Turkana)
* Central
* Coastal
Fellowship Structure
Duration: April – September 2026 (6 months)
The fellowship combines training, mentorship, and story production.
Training Phase
Participants will attend a series of online training sessions covering:
* AI literacy for journalist
* Gender-sensitive reporting
* Investigating the social impacts of AI
* Responsible use of AI tools in journalism
* Reporting on data, algorithms, and digital systems
Sessions will be led by AWJP, DW Akademie, experienced journalists, and AI experts.
Mentorship
Each fellow will receive one-on-one mentorship from experienced journalists and editors.
Mentorship will include:
* story development guidance
* editorial feedback
* support during reporting and production
Story Production
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.
Showcase and Networking
The fellowship will conclude with a public showcase of the fellows' stories, creating opportunities to connect with media organisations, editors, and partners.
Expected Outputs
Each fellow will:
* Develop and publish four original journalism stories during the fellowship
* Explore how AI and digital technologies affect women and gender-diverse communities
* Experiment with AI tools to support reporting
Stories may explore issues related to:
* governance
* development
* finance
* education
* health
* climate
Across the fellowship, the programme will support the publication of at least 40 stories across Kenyan media outlets. Participating newsrooms will also share basic story engagement information (such as readership, audience feedback, or social media engagement where available) to support programme evaluation.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
* Women journalists based in Kenya
* Work in print, radio, television, or digital media
* Be able to participate in online training and mentorship
* Have access to a laptop and a reliable internet connection
* Demonstrate interest in reporting on gender, technology, or digital issues
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.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows will receive:
* Story production microgrants
* Access to selected AI tools for journalism
* Editorial mentorship from experienced journalists
* Support with data analysis and visual storytelling
* Opportunities for networking and professional development
Selection Criteria
Applications will be assessed based on:
* Quality and originality of the proposed story ideas
* Demonstrated journalism experience
* Motivation and commitment to the fellowship
* Interest in exploring gender and technology issues
* Diversity of applicants across regions and media sectors
Shortlisted applicants may be invited to participate in a virtual interview.
For complete job description and to apply, visit:
https://theawjp.org/open-call-for-applications/
HOW TO APPLY:
To apply, complete the online application form (http://bit.ly/AWJPfellowshipcall) and upload the following:
* Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages)
* Three samples of published work
* Four story pitches ( maximum 800 words total)
* Motivational statement (maximum 500 words)
* Signed letter of intent to publish
Application Deadline:
April 20, 2026
For inquiries, contact:
contact@theawjp.org