Scholarship Overview
What Is the CFJ Fellowship?
The CFJ Fellowship Programme is a professional development opportunity for early-career women lawyers admitted to practice in Africa. Fellows work full-time from January to December 2027 with host organizations specializing in human rights and legal advocacy. The programme emphasizes hands-on experience in strategic litigation, particularly cases addressing violence against women and children.
Each Fellow collaborates with CFJ and their host organization to develop a workplan that includes at least one major strategic litigation case undertaken with CFJ support.
People Also Checked: SARAO Graduate-In-Training Programme 2027: Complete Guide for Engineering & Science Graduates (Fully Funded)
Key Dates
- Launch Date: September 8, 2026
- Application Deadline: October 20, 2026, 12:00 PM SAST
- Fellowship Period: January 2027 – December 2027 (full-time, 12 months)
Host Organizations and Locations
Fellows are placed with one of the following in-person host organizations. You must be admitted to practice law in the country of your selected host and have the right to work there.
Malawi
- Centre for Human Rights Education Advice and Assistance (CHREAA)
- Women Lawyers Association (WLA)
- Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP)
- Legal Aid Bureau (LAB)
- University of Malawi (UNIMA)
South Africa
- Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria
The Gambia
- Female Lawyers Association Gambia (FLAG)
- Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA)
Kenya
- Katiba Institute
Eligibility Requirements
The CFJ Fellowship Programme is open to early-career women lawyers who meet the following criteria:
People Also Checked: ARC–GSSP Scholarship Programme 2026/2027: Climate Risk Leaders for Africa (Fully Funded)
- Admitted to practice law in the country of the host organization you are applying to
- Available to participate full-time from January 2027 through December 2027
- Right to work in the host country
- Early-career status (typically 0-5 years post-admission, though not explicitly capped)
See the CFJ Fellowship page on the organization’s website for complete eligibility criteria.
Application Requirements
Required Documents
- CV/Resume (PDF format, maximum 2 pages)
- Statement of Interest addressing:
- Why you are interested in this fellowship
- How this fellowship will prepare you for your future career
- A strategic litigation case or legal advocacy project you would like to support, specifically addressing violence against women and children
- Summary of recent legal professional experience with highlighted successes
- Two professional references with contact details and capacity of relationship
Additional Information Required
- Personal details (name, contact information, age bracket, gender)
- Country of citizenship and residence
- Social media handles (optional: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X/Twitter)
- Mobile and WhatsApp numbers with country codes
- Professional information including date of admission to practice (primary and secondary jurisdiction if applicable)
- Current professional occupation
- Host organization preference
- Previous fellowships or training programmes undertaken in the last 5 years (if applicable)
How to Apply
- Confirm your availability for full-time participation January–December 2027
- Verify you are admitted to practice in your preferred host country and have work authorization
- Select your preferred host organization from the approved list
- Prepare your CV (maximum 2 pages, PDF format)
- Draft your Statement of Interest addressing all three required questions
- Identify and confirm two professional references
- Complete the online application form before October 20, 2026, 12:00 PM SAST
- Submit all required documents through the online portal
Important: Progress is not saved if you leave the application page before submitting. Prepare all materials in advance.
People Also Checked: DA Young Leaders Programme 2027: Complete Application Guide
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed after the October 20, 2026 deadline. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for reference checks. Final selection considers:
- Legal professional experience and demonstrated successes
- Quality and feasibility of proposed strategic litigation or advocacy project
- Alignment with host organization needs
- Commitment to advancing women’s and children’s rights
Contact Information
For questions about the CFJ Fellowship:
- Review the FAQ section on the CFJ website
- Email: [email protected]
Tips for Zimbabwe and SADC Applicants
While Zimbabwe is not currently listed as a host country, Zimbabwean lawyers admitted in South Africa may apply to the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria placement. Ensure you have:
- Valid South African legal practice admission
- Right to work in South Africa
- Demonstrated experience or interest in human rights litigation
Applicants from Malawi, Zambia, and other SADC countries should prioritize host organizations in Malawi or South Africa where regional mobility and practice admission may be more accessible.
