Afya na Haki (Ahaki) Fellowship 2026 - the LIRA programme

Are you passionate about advancing reproductive justice across Africa? The Ahaki Institute (Afya na Haki) is calling for fellows to join its 2026 cohort under the Litigating Reproductive Justice in Africa (LIRA) programme. This fellowship provides a unique platform for researchers, litigants, activists, and practitioners to deepen their skills in research, advocacy, strategic litigation, and capacity enhancement related to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). Apply now to join a dynamic cohort working to shape Africa’s future through evidence-based, collaborative, and rights-centered approaches. Here's everything you need to know.

📚 Fellowship Summary

• Location: Kampala, Uganda (in-person, at Ahaki’s offices)

• Organizer: Afya na Haki (Ahaki) Institute, via its LIRA programme

• Type: Fellowship / professional programme (none - degree)

• Target group: Researchers, litigants, activists, practitioners across Africa, especially in Anglophone & Francophone Africa

• Fields of focus: SRHR (sexual & reproductive health and rights), litigation, human rights, public health, social sciences, gender studies, advocacy

• Fellowship value & coverage: The fellowship is full-time and in-person, intended to cover cost of living, possible stipends, and programme support.

• Duration: 6 to 12 months, starting January 2026

• Application deadline: 17 October 2025

• Start date: January 2026

• Eligible to: African applicants with at least a Master’s degree and experience in relevant fields; fluency in English and French is encouraged

🧭 Programme Overview

The LIRA (Litigating Reproductive Justice in Africa) fellowship is designed to strengthen both Ahaki’s initiatives and fellows’ capacities in SRHR litigation, research, and advocacy. The programme:

• Is a full-time, in-person engagement (i.e. fellows must reside or be present on site) for between 6 to 12 months.

• Offers opportunities to work across projects in research, advocacy, litigation support, capacity building, and network development.

• Emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based, progressive approaches to reproductive justice in Africa.

• Strengthens the regional network of practitioners and experts advancing reproductive justice litigation.

• Supports strategic and public interest litigation, legal empowerment, advocacy campaigns, documentation of African narratives, and capacity enhancement for partner organizations.

Because Ahaki describes itself as using Africentric approaches, the fellowship involves contextual strategies, regional engagement, collaboration with African NGOs, and sensitivity to local legal, social, and political environments.

🎁 Benefits & What Is Covered

Though Ahaki does not publicly enumerate every line item, typical benefits and covered aspects include:

• A stipend or support to cover living expenses during the fellowship

• Programme resources (office space, materials, mentorship)

• Opportunities to collaborate with experts, NGOs, and litigation networks

• Access to professional development, training, workshops, mentorship, and capacity enhancement

• Exposure and portfolio building through participation in litigation, advocacy, research, and publication opportunities

• Networking and integration into Africa-wide SRHR and human rights communities

Because the fellowship is in-person and full-time, fellows should budget for travel, accommodation (if relocation is needed), visa, and associated costs. (You may need to request clarification from Ahaki about the full financial package.)

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Afya na Haki / LIRA Fellowship 2026, applicants must meet:

1. Academic qualification

   • At least a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in law, public health, social sciences, gender studies, human rights, or related fields.

2. Relevant experience

   • Experience in research, litigation, or advocacy/capacity building in SRHR or related areas.

   • Experience in project management or implementation is considered an advantage.

3. Language skills

   • Fluency (or strong proficiency) in English and French is encouraged, given the regional multilingual scope.

4. Geographic / target scope

   • Open to African nationals, especially from Anglophone and Francophone African countries.

5. Personal / professional attributes

   • Strong interest and commitment to reproductive justice, human rights, and social change

   • Capacity to work in a collaborative, research-litigative environment

   • Ability to relocate / work full time on site for fellowship duration

6. Other documents

   • Valid identification (e.g. passport or national identity)

   • References, motivation, academic documents, etc. (see next section)

📝 Application Procedure

To apply for the 2026 fellowship, interested candidates should follow the procedure below:

1. Prepare the required documents:

   • Detailed resume / CV

   • Motivation letter: explaining why you are interested and how you fit the fellowship’s goals

   • Names and contact information of three reference persons

   • Copies of academic transcripts / certificates

   • Identification documents: valid passport or national ID

   • Reference letter from at least one referee

   • Any supporting documents (publications, sample work, litigation briefs, etc.)

2. Submit the application

   • Send all documents in one package (as directed) to info@afyanahaki.org 

   • Ensure submission before the deadline (17 October 2025)

3. Shortlisting and selection

   • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews or further engagement.

   • The final selection is based on academic merit, relevance of experience, proposed fit with the programme, and potential impact.

4. Onboarding and start

   • The selected fellows begin in January 2026 for the in-person fellowship.

💡Extra Tips

• Because the fellowship is in-person and full time, plan for relocation logistics (visa, housing, travel).

• Emphasize in your application how your work or research aligns with reproductive justice, strategic litigation, capacity strengthening, or related advocacy.

• If you have prior publications, litigation briefs, policy engagement, or network involvement, highlight them as proof of your experience.

• Seek referees who can speak to both your academic capacity and your advocacy or field work experience.

• Since the call encourages multilingual candidates, showcasing your proficiency in French + English may give you an edge.

• Finally, reach out early via the contact email or social media to clarify any doubts—especially regarding funding, stipend, and benefits.

🔗 Official Link

---