Climate change is reshaping lives across West Africa, with women often bearing the heaviest burdens of displacement and environmental migration due to systemic inequalities. Despite these challenges, women are key drivers of resilience and adaptation.
To empower the next generation of female changemakers, applications are officially open for the Women’s Fellowship on Human Mobility in the Context of Climate Change (HMCCC) II. This 6-month regional leadership and capacity-building program is designed to equip young women with the tools, knowledge, and platforms needed to shape gender-responsive climate policies and lead sustainable local initiatives.
The program is implemented by the Women Environmental Programme (WEP) under the GIZ-led HMCCC Programme, in collaboration with the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) and the ECOWAS Commission. It is funded by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), and commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
Program Objectives
The fellowship focuses on bridging the gap between gender, climate change, and migration policy by:
- Strengthening Leadership: Building the capacity of young women to participate effectively in climate mobility governance.
- Supporting Local Action: Enabling fellows to design and execute community-based projects addressing localized displacement.
- Fostering Collaboration: Building a vibrant, bilingual network of female leaders working across borders on climate resilience.
- Elevating Representation: Promoting women’s voices in regional and global climate and development dialogues.
Fellowship Structure & Key Benefits
The program runs from July to December 2026 as a hybrid experience (virtual orientation, in-person training, and monthly mentorship):
Phase 1: Capacity Building
Selected fellows will attend a fully funded training workshop led by regional experts. Training sessions are fully bilingual (English and French with simultaneous interpretation) and cover:
- Climate mobility dynamics in West Africa.
- Gender mainstreaming in climate and migration policy.
- Strategic advocacy, communication, and community leadership.
Phase 2: Mentorship & Pilot Project Grants
- Personalized Mentorship: Each fellow is paired with an experienced professional mentor for monthly coaching and technical guidance.
- Seed Funding: Fellows are eligible for a grant of USD 500 to $1,000 to implement a pilot initiative. Supported projects include community resilience actions, climate mobility research, awareness campaigns, and livelihood support for vulnerable groups.
Phase 3: Regional & Global Platforms
Outstanding performers will receive support and preparation to attend and present at major regional and international policy forums.
Alumni Network
Upon graduation, fellows join a regional Community of Practice, gaining lifetime access to peer learning, collaborative opportunities, and global professional pipelines.
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Who Can Apply?
We are looking for young women who meet the following criteria:
- Age: Between 18 and 35 years old.
- Residency & Citizenship: Must be a citizen and resident of one of these ECOWAS Member States:
- Anglophone: Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone.
- Francophone: Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Senegal, Togo.
- Lusophone: Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau.
- Experience: Proven leadership or active engagement in climate action, migration, gender advocacy, environmental sustainability, or community development.
- Project Concept: Possess an ongoing initiative or a clear project idea addressing climate-related mobility that can be developed during the fellowship.
Submission Guidelines
To apply, compile the following documents into a single Word or PDF file:
- Motivation Letter (maximum 1 page) explaining your interest and alignment with the program.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) (maximum 2 pages) highlighting relevant experiences.
- Brief Project Proposal (maximum 3 pages) outlining the initiative you plan to develop or scale during the fellowship.
Application Process
Interested applicants can find complete program guidelines and submit their proposals by visiting the official website:
https://wepnigeria.net/call110626/
Disclaimer
Edfrica shares opportunities for informational purposes only. Results and funding outcomes are not guaranteed.
