Overview
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Fellowship | Clooney Foundation Waging Justice for Women (WJW) |
| Organizer | Clooney Foundation for Justice (CFJ) |
| Number of Fellows | 10 early-career women lawyers |
| Host Countries | Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, The Gambia |
| Eligibility | Women lawyers with up to 5 years' experience |
| Type | Paid work placement + training |
| Language | Fluency in English required |
| Application Deadline | October 20, 2026 |
About the Fellowship
The Clooney Foundation Waging Justice for Women (WJW) Fellowship is a prestigious programme run by the Clooney Foundation for Justice (CFJ) that funds and places ten early-career women lawyers in diverse human rights and justice organizations across sub-Saharan Africa.
Fellows are placed in host organizations across Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, and The Gambia, including legal aid providers, select universities with legal aid clinics, and government prosecution services. Their mission is to provide legal services for women and children at all stages of the justice process.
The programme equips fellows with the tools they need to advocate for the rights of women and children, especially against child marriage and violence against women and children. Fellows gain immersive practical work experience and hands-on training, carrying out duties such as legal research, drafting, client support, and legal representation in court.
Women lawyers passionate about justice may also be interested in the AFLI Archbishop Tutu Leadership Fellowship, another exceptional opportunity for emerging African leaders.
How It Works
The Clooney Foundation for Justice (CFJ) provides fellows with comprehensive support throughout their fellowship journey:
| Support Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Mentoring | Guidance from experienced human rights professionals |
| Training | Hands-on and immersive practical training |
| Expert Access | Connection to Africa's leading human rights experts, lawyers, judges, activists, and academics |
| Alumni Network | Induction into the CFJ Fellowship Alumni Network upon completion |
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows receive a comprehensive package designed to support their professional development and impact:
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Paid Work Placement | At a human rights organization, university legal aid clinic, or government legal institution |
| Groundbreaking Work | Ending violence against women and children through legal representation, strategic litigation, and technology |
| Mentorship | From the Justice for Women & Children Programme Director, host supervisors, and regional human rights experts |
| In-Person Convening | At least one gathering with fellows, supervisors, and senior CFJ leadership |
| Online Training | Extensive monthly online training led by human rights experts |
| Global Network | Access to leading human rights experts, lawyers, judges, activists, academics, and next-generation leaders |
| Alumni Programme | Enrollment in the CFJ Fellowship Alumni network for continued collaboration |
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Waging Justice for Women Fellowship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Law Degree | A law degree from a recognized academic institution |
| Practicing Certificate | Must be admitted to practice as a lawyer in the country of the selected host organization |
| Work Experience | Up to 5 years of legal experience following graduation/qualification |
| Preferred Experience | Women's rights and human rights organization work |
| Work Authorization | Right to work in host country: Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, or The Gambia |
⚠️ Important Note: Costs relating to international relocation and acquiring work authorization cannot be supported by the programme.
Relevant Skills & Competencies
Successful candidates typically demonstrate the following skills and attributes:
- Mission alignment with CFJ's goals and the host organization
- Complex legal analysis and fact-finding abilities
- Excellent research, writing, and verbal communication skills
- Self-starter with strong interpersonal and teamwork skills
- Commitment to justice and human rights, with creativity in crafting strategies
- Experience with survivors and/or impacted communities (preferred)
- Willingness to travel
- Experience with vulnerable individuals, including children or victims of violence (useful)
- Fluency in English (required); proficiency in other relevant working languages (preferred)
How to Apply
To apply for the Clooney Foundation Waging Justice for Women Fellowship 2027, interested candidates should:
- Review eligibility requirements carefully to ensure you qualify
- Prepare required documents, including your law degree, practicing certificate, and CV
- Visit the official CFJ webpage to access the application portal
- Submit your application before the deadline
Application Deadline: October 20, 2026
Other Opportunities for African Scholars
If you're exploring funding and fellowship opportunities across Africa, consider these related programmes:
- ARCGSSP Scholarship Programme for Africans – A scholarship programme supporting African students' academic advancement
- AFLI Archbishop Tutu Leadership Fellowship – Leadership development for emerging African leaders
- AfricaLics Visiting PhD Fellowship – Research fellowship for African PhD students
Official Link
| Resource | URL |
|---|---|
| Official Webpage | Become a WJW Fellow |
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