Clooney Foundation Waging Justice For Women Fellowships 2026 For Women Lawyers For Free -

About the Clooney Foundation Waging Justice for Women Fellowship

The Clooney Foundation for Justice (CFJ) is inviting applications from passionate early-career women lawyers across Africa for its 2026 Waging Justice for Women Fellowship Program — a groundbreaking initiative aimed at equipping the next generation of feminist legal advocates to transform laws from tools of oppression into engines of equality and justice.

This is your chance to become part of a powerful network of change agents working at the intersection of law, gender equality, and human rights.

The Waging Justice for Women (WJW) Fellowship is an initiative of the Clooney Foundation for Justice, founded by Amal and George Clooney. Launched as part of CFJ’s broader commitment to challenge injustice against women and girls worldwide, the fellowship empowers early-career women lawyers in sub-Saharan Africa to lead transformative legal advocacy in their communities.

This program stems from the urgent need to dismantle discriminatory laws that continue to deny women and girls their basic rights. From laws that enable child marriage to those that criminalize women under moral pretexts while ignoring widespread sexual violence, the legal system in many regions still fails women. By embedding fellows with leading grassroots organizations, CFJ aims to change this narrative.

Eligible Fields

The fellowship specifically focuses on equipping women lawyers to advance gender justice in critical thematic areas such as:

Removing legal barriers to girls’ education
Combating child marriage and harmful practices
Promoting accountability for gender-based violence
Fighting economic discrimination and stereotypes that criminalize women
Pursuing strategic litigation to strengthen protections under national, regional, and international law

While you must be a qualified lawyer, the emphasis is on human rights law, gender equality, and social justice advocacy.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Clooney Foundation 2026 Waging Justice for Women Fellowship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Educational & Professional Background

Must hold a qualifying law degree from a recognized institution.
Must have a valid practice certificate, having been admitted to practice as a lawyer in at least one of the countries where CFJ’s host organizations are based.

2. Experience

Have at least two years of post-qualification legal experience (this is targeted at early-career lawyers, so generally no more than five years of experience).
Preferably have experience working on women’s rights issues or in human rights organizations.

3. Citizenship & Authorization

Must be a citizen of or have valid work authorization in one of the eligible countries:
Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Liberia, or Ghana.

4. Skills & Commitment

Demonstrated ability to perform complex legal research and analysis.
Experience engaging directly with survivors or communities impacted by human rights violations.
Interest in integrating gender-sensitive and child-sensitive approaches into legal work.
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English (proficiency in local languages is a plus).
Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative mindset.
Willingness to travel and participate in regional convenings.
Passion for gender equality and a demonstrated commitment to advancing social justice.

Selection Criteria

Applicants will be evaluated based on:

Fulfillment of all eligibility and legal practice requirements.
A demonstrated track record of advocating for women’s rights or broader human rights.
Potential to contribute meaningfully to strategic litigation and legal empowerment efforts.
Ability to integrate intersectional perspectives, considering how issues like age, disability, and economic status further compound gender inequality.
Creativity and initiative in devising legal or advocacy strategies to tackle gender discrimination.

Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews or additional assessments to confirm fit for the program.

Eligible Countries

This opportunity is available exclusively to applicants who are nationals of or legally authorized to work in:

Malawi
Tanzania
Kenya
South Africa
The Gambia
Sierra Leone
Liberia
Ghana

Applicants must also be willing to work in the home country of their assigned host organization.

Benefits of the Clooney Foundation Waging Justice for Women Fellowship

The Clooney Foundation Waging Justice for Women fellowship is fully funded, providing an extraordinary package of benefits:

Financial & Professional Support

An annual salary fully funded by CFJ (through the Legal Empowerment Fund at the Fund for Global Human Rights), enabling you to focus entirely on advocacy work for women and girls.
Placement with one of ten leading human rights and legal advocacy organizations in sub-Saharan Africa, gaining hands-on experience in high-impact gender justice work.

Strategic Litigation & Legal Practice

Each fellow will support at least one strategic litigation case designed to advance women and girls’ rights through national courts, regional human rights systems, or UN mechanisms.

Capacity Building & Mentorship

Fellows will receive continuous mentorship, training, and professional development, including:
- Monthly online learning sessions on key legal and advocacy topics.
- At least one in-person convening to build leadership skills and connect with other fellows.

Global Exposure & Networks

Engagements with prominent women judges, lawyers, activists, and scholars from across Africa and beyond.
Participation in networking events with peer institutions like the Obama Foundation’s Girls Opportunity Alliance, opening doors to cross-sector collaboration.

Long-term Impact

Fellows will become part of an alumni community of feminist lawyers, enabling ongoing collaboration and mutual support as they continue their careers fighting for gender equality.

How to Apply

Ready to champion justice for women and girls in your country? Here’s how:

Click on the official application link
Prepare your documents:
This may include your CV, bar admission certificate, proof of citizenship/work authorization, statement of interest, and references.
Complete the application form carefully.
Provide detailed responses showcasing your passion for gender justice and examples of your legal or advocacy work.
Submit before the deadline:
4th August 2025

⚠ Important:

The application is FREE. Do not pay anyone claiming to be an agent.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stages.

Final Thoughts

The Clooney Foundation’s Waging Justice for Women Fellowship 2026 is more than just a job — it’s a profound opportunity to transform laws, lives, and entire communities. As a fellow, you’ll gain the skills, networks, and influence needed to challenge oppressive systems and drive real change for women and girls across Africa.

If you’re an early-career woman lawyer with a fierce dedication to social justice and the courage to stand up for what’s right, this is your moment. Apply now and join a powerful movement that is redefining the future of law and equality on the African continent.