About the opportunity
The Equality Fund Journalism Fellowship surface stories of local solutions to global crises with a focus on gender by selecting up to five journalists in ODA-eligible countries. Partnering with Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE) and African Women in Media (AWiM), the program addresses crucial global issues such as climate change, authoritarianism, economic injustice, war, and gender-based violence. The initiative runs for six months of programming from January to September 2027, with an additional three months to finalize publication. Fellows participate in monthly online training led by industry experts and attend an in-person convening with all travel expenses included.
Funding and benefits
- $4,000 CAD stipend
- Up to $500 in reporting expenses
- Monthly online meetings led by prominent journalists and experts
- Safety training provided by the International Women's Media Foundation (IWMF) and the Freedom of the Press Foundation
- One in-person convening with travel expenses included
Who can apply?
- Open to working journalists in any media platform including text, digital, video, and audio
- Must be based in ODA-recipient countries
- Open to women, men, and LGBTQI+ individuals
- Open to both full-time and independent freelance journalists
- Applicants should report on their own communities and geographies
Required documents
- Application proposal (note: use of AI in the proposal and application is not permitted)
- Letter of editorial commitment from a news outlet required for shortlisted applicants (or a fact-checking plan in cases of self-publishing)
When to apply
- Call for applicants opens in Fall 2026 across several phases
- Program rolls out in early 2027
How to apply
- Read the official Application Guidelines
- Submit your application through the Equality Fund platform during the Fall 2026 open call
- Shortlisted applicants will be asked to submit a letter of editorial commitment or a fact-checking plan
Additional information
- The program is a partnership between the Equality Fund, Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE), and African Women in Media (AWiM).
- Use of AI during the journalistic process must be disclosed to the program and approved in advance.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Working journalists based in ODA-eligible countries who focus on gender equality and local solutions to global crises.
- Writers, audio producers, video creators, or digital reporters seeking international mentorship, professional safety training, and funding support.
- Independent freelancers or full-time staff journalists looking to produce deep-dive, fact-based reporting within their own communities.
What should you think carefully about?
- The program requires a 6-month commitment starting in early 2027, plus an additional 3 months to finalize publication.
- Shortlisted candidates must secure a letter of editorial commitment from a news outlet or establish an approved fact-checking plan if self-publishing.
- Artificial intelligence tools are prohibited in the application process and require advance disclosure if used during reporting.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This fellowship serves as a valuable springboard for journalists aiming to elevate localized gender and crisis reporting onto a broader platform. It offers critical financial backing, high-level mentorship from renowned experts, and safety training, making it an excellent opportunity to expand professional reach without disrupting local community reporting.
Our take
Working journalists in ODA-recipient countries who are passionate about gender-focused, community-level investigative reporting should strongly consider applying when the call opens in Fall 2026.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verified
