Apply for the Women of the South Speak Out (WOSSO) Fellowship for Asia-Pacific and amplify your advocacy for gender equality. Deadline: August 5, 2024.
Introduction
The Women of the South Speak Out (WOSSO) Fellowship is a transformative initiative led by a powerful consortium comprising Gender Links (GL), the Asian-Pacific Resource and Research Centre for Women (ARROW), and Mannion Daniels (MD). This fellowship is dedicated to empowering young women from the Global South, particularly from the Asia-Pacific region, by amplifying their voices in decision-making and policy-making arenas.
The consortium was founded on shared feminist values and a commitment to addressing the shrinking civic space for young women. Over the next five years (2023-2027), WOSSO aims to provide these young women with the support and resources needed to engage meaningfully in advocacy initiatives both locally and globally. By facilitating their participation in key advocacy meetings, WOSSO ensures that the perspectives and rights of women are at the forefront of policy discussions.
WOSSO Fellowship Overview
The WOSSO Fellowship targets young women aged 18 to 35 from the Global South, including the Asia-Pacific region. Running for an initial 18-month period starting in August 2024, this fellowship is a unique opportunity for those affiliated with women’s rights organizations or networks. Applicants must have a well-defined advocacy initiative that will benefit from enhanced regional and global advocacy.
Fellows will have the chance to engage in regional advocacy spaces, and depending on the nature of their initiatives, they may also participate in global conferences. This exposure will not only elevate their advocacy work but also help them build crucial connections with like-minded individuals and organizations.
Benefits
The WOSSO Fellowship offers numerous benefits to its fellows, including:
- Small Grants: Fellows will receive a small grant disbursed in tranches upon achieving agreed-upon milestones in their advocacy plans.
- Regional Advocacy Participation: Fellows will participate in at least one regional advocacy space, providing them with essential exposure and experience.
- Global Conference Participation: Depending on the advocacy initiative, logistics, and other factors, fellows may also participate in global conferences and advocacy spaces.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the WOSSO Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Young Women Advocates: Applicants must identify as young women and be advocates in all their diversity.
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 35 years.
- Affiliation: Applicants must be affiliated with a women’s rights organization or network.
- Geographic Focus: Applicants must represent the Asia-Pacific region.
Required Documents
When applying for the WOSSO Fellowship, applicants will need to provide the following documents:
- Completed Application Form: Available on the Good Grants platform.
- Advocacy Initiative Proposal: A detailed plan outlining the advocacy initiative the applicant intends to pursue.
- Affiliation Proof: Documentation proving the applicant’s affiliation with a women’s rights organization or network.
- Personal Statement: A statement detailing the applicant’s motivations, goals, and how the fellowship will enhance their advocacy work.
- References: Contact information for individuals who can attest to the applicant’s work and commitment to women’s rights advocacy.
How to Apply
Applying for the WOSSO Fellowship is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to submit your application:
- Sign Up on Good Grants Platform: Visit the Good Grants platform and create an account.
- Complete the Online Application Form: Fill out the application form with all the required information.
- Upload Necessary Documents: Attach all required documents, including your advocacy initiative proposal, proof of affiliation, personal statement, and references.
- Submit Your Application: Review your application for accuracy and completeness before submitting it through the Good Grants platform.
Deadline
The application deadline for the WOSSO Fellowship is August 5, 2024, at 23:59 hrs Bangkok Time. Make sure to submit your application on time to be considered for this empowering opportunity.
Additional Resources
- Good Grants Platform: Apply Here
- Gender Links (GL): Website
- Asian-Pacific Resource and Research Centre for Women (ARROW): Website
- Mannion Daniels (MD): Website
Testimonials
- Anna, Former Fellow: “The WOSSO Fellowship gave me the tools and confidence to advocate for women’s rights on a global stage. It was a life-changing experience.”
- Nina, Current Fellow: “Through WOSSO, I connected with inspiring women from around the world. Together, we are making our voices heard and driving change.”
Contact Information
For any questions related to the WOSSO Fellowship program, please contact Riju Dhakal at riju@arrow.org.my.
Conclusion
The WOSSO Fellowship is more than just a funding opportunity; it is a pathway to amplifying the voices of young women from the Global South in the Asia-Pacific region. By providing essential support, resources, and opportunities for engagement, WOSSO empowers these young women to become influential advocates for gender equality. If you are a young woman passionate about making a difference, do not miss this chance to join the WOSSO Fellowship and drive meaningful change in your community and beyond. Apply today and be part of a transformative journey towards a more equitable world.