About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
Applications will open in phases in Fall 2026 for the Equality Fund Journalism Fellowship, a program supporting journalists in ODA-eligible countries to report on local solutions to global crises, with a focus on gender.
The fellowship seeks to amplify stories from journalists reporting within their own communities and highlight solutions led by people addressing challenges such as gender-based violence, climate change, human rights, democracy, economic injustice, conflict, and threats to sexual and reproductive rights.
The program is being delivered by the Equality Fund in partnership with African Women in Media (AWiM) and Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE).
Key Details
Fellowship: Equality Fund Journalism Fellowship
Cohort: Up to 5 journalists
Application period: Phased calls beginning Fall 2026
Program period: January–September 2027
Core programming: 6 months, with an additional 3 months to finalize publication
Stipend: CAD $4,000
Reporting expenses: Up to CAD $500
Format: Online programming plus one in-person convening
Travel: Travel expenses for the in-person convening are included
Fellowship Objective
Each fellow is expected to produce and publish at least one story highlighting local solutions to global crises, with a particular focus on gender.
Possible areas include:
Climate change
Gender-based violence
Authoritarianism
Anti-rights movements
Sexual and reproductive health and rights
Economic injustice
War and conflict
Human rights and democracy
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship welcomes:
Women, men and LGBTQI+ people
Working journalists using text, digital, video or audio
Full-time journalists and independent freelancers
Journalists based in ODA-recipient countries
Journalists reporting on their own communities and geographies
Shortlisted applicants will be asked to provide a letter of editorial commitment from a news outlet. For applicants who self-publish, this may be replaced with a fact-checking plan.
Fellowship Experience
Selected journalists will participate in monthly online sessions led by experienced journalists and experts. The program includes contributions from professionals such as Nina Lakhani, Kelly Kimball, and organizations including the International Women's Media Foundation (IWMF) and Freedom of the Press Foundation.
The fellowship will also include one in-person convening, with the location and timing to be determined. Travel expenses are included
How to apply