Gender + AI Reporting Fellowship 2026 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) and DW Akademie, this program picks 10 journalists to create stories on AI’s effects in areas like health, education, and governance.
About the Gender + AI Reporting Fellowship 2026
This six-month fellowship helps women journalists explore the links between artificial intelligence, technology, and gender. It follows a successful first group that produced strong reports on tech and gender issues. Fellows learn skills to report responsibly on AI while looking at its impact on women and diverse groups.
The program runs from April to September 2026. It focuses on real-world topics such as AI in finance, climate action, and digital services. By the end, fellows aim to create at least 40 stories for Kenyan media.
Fellowship Structure
The fellowship has clear phases to build skills and output.
Training Phase
Online sessions teach key topics. These include AI basics for reporters, gender-aware reporting, and checking AI’s social effects. Experts from AWJP, DW Akademie, and others lead the training on ethics, data, and algorithms.
Mentorship Phase
Each fellow gets personal guidance from top editors. This covers story ideas, feedback, and help with reporting. Mentors ensure stories are sharp and ready to publish.
Story Production Phase
Fellows produce four original pieces. Stories must show AI’s role in women’s lives, using AI tools where helpful. Topics can cover governance, health, education, finance, or climate.
Showcase and Networking
The program ends with a public event. Fellows share their work and connect with media leaders for future chances.
Key Benefits
Fellows receive full support. This includes small grants for story costs, AI tools for reporting, and data help for visuals. Mentorship and networking open doors in journalism.
Who Can Apply: Eligibility Criteria
This is for women journalists in Kenya. You can work in print, radio, TV, or online media. Freelancers qualify too.
You need a laptop, steady internet, and interest in gender or tech topics. A signed letter from a newsroom to publish your work is required. Priority goes to those from Nyanza, Western, Rift Valley (like Turkana), Central, or Coastal areas.
Application Requirements
Submit these items:
- CV (up to 2 pages)
- Three samples of your published stories
- 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 your story ideas, experience, drive, and focus on gender-tech issues. They value diverse regions and media types. Shortlisted applicants may do a video interview.
Important Dates
Apply by April 15, 2026. Early submissions stand out. The program starts in April.
How to Apply
Use the online form at this link. Upload all documents there. For questions, email [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need AI experience?
No. Training covers the basics.
Can freelancers join?
Yes.
How many spots are there?
10 fellows.
Is it fully funded?
Yes, with grants, tools, and support.
What do fellows produce?
Four stories each.
Is it all online?
Yes.
Do I need a newsroom letter?
Yes, signed.
What topics work?
AI in governance, health, education, finance, climate, and more.
Any networking?
Yes, with a showcase.
Who runs it?
AWJP and DW Akademie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior AI experience to apply?
No, the training phase covers AI basics for reporters.
Can freelance journalists apply?
Yes, freelancers qualify if they meet other criteria and have a signed letter from a media outlet.
How many fellows will be selected?
The program selects 10 women journalists.
Is the fellowship fully funded?
Yes, it provides small grants, AI tools, data support, mentorship, and networking.