If you are a Woman Human Rights Defender (WHRD), journalist, or civil society worker from East and Central Africa seeking to enhance your digital security skills, the Safe Sisters Fellowship Programme 2025 is now accepting applications. All details in this article.
Safe Sisters Fellowship Summary
Location: East and Central Africa
Host Institution: DefendDefenders
Programme Type: Professional Fellowship
Target Group: Women Human Rights Defenders, journalists, media workers, and civil society activists
Fields of Focus: Digital security, data management, content development
Funding: Fully funded, including workshop participation, mentorship, and potential grants
Duration: Five-day workshop, followed by ongoing mentorship
Application Deadline: March 21, 2025
Eligible Countries: Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti, Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, and Somaliland
Safe Sisters Fellowship Overview
The Safe Sisters Fellowship Programme is designed to empower Woman Human Rights Defender (WHRD), and related professionals to navigate and address digital safety challenges in their work and daily lives. Participants will engage in intensive training and networking, learning to strategically employ digital tools across data management, content development, and digital security. The programme emphasizes empowering women and girls working on human rights issues to control their online presence and information, enabling them to share knowledge with others.
Fellow Activities and Curriculum
The Safe Sisters Fellowship Programme is structured to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of digital security through a blend of self-study, practical exercises, mentorship, workshops, peer sharing, and the opportunity to implement community outreach projects.
📈 Programme Phases:
1. Self-Study and Pre-Workshop Assignments:
Before attending the workshop, participants engage in self-directed learning, completing online assignments designed to build foundational knowledge in digital security. Resources may include materials from platforms like Advocacy Assembly, Surveillance Self-Defence, Level-Up, and Feminist Tech Exchange – Safety Reboot.
2. Five-Day Intensive Workshop:
Participants attend a five-day workshop tailored to address the specific digital security challenges faced by women human rights defenders. The workshop covers topics such as:
Handling cyber-harassment and online violence against women.
Constructing secure passwords and maintaining account privacy.
Understanding and mitigating threats from malware, spyware, and ransomware.
Managing public profiles on platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.
Utilizing encryption, VPNs, and two-factor authentication to safeguard online activities.
Securing mobile devices and understanding their vulnerabilities.
3. Project Development and Implementation:
During the workshop, fellows define and develop their own digital security projects, receiving support and mentorship to bring their visions to fruition.
4. Mentorship and Community Outreach:
Post-workshop, participants benefit from ongoing mentorship and have the opportunity to apply for grants to implement community outreach programs. These initiatives aim to bridge the digital security information gap and empower others in their communities.
5. Alumni Network Engagement:
Graduates of the programme join an alumni network, gaining access to mentors, creatives, a Safe Sisters Signal group, mailing lists, e-learning opportunities, and priority in subsequent events.
This structured approach ensures that fellows not only enhance their digital security skills but also contribute to building a safer online environment for women across East and Central Africa.
Fellowship Benefits
Financial Support: All costs related to workshop participation will be covered by DefendDefenders. Additionally, participants may apply for grants to implement their own activities following successful completion of the fellowship.
Workshop Participation: A five-day tailored workshop with DefendDefenders to address the specific needs of the group.
Project Development: Participants will define and work on their own projects during the workshop, receiving support and mentorship to realize their project vision.
Alumni Network: Post-programme, participants will join an alumni network, gaining access to mentors, creatives, a Safe Sisters Signal group, a mailing list, e-learning opportunities, and priority in subsequent events.
Eligibility Criteria
Residency: Applicants must be based in one of the eligible countries.
Professional Focus: Work should primarily focus on the promotion and protection of human rights.
Project Proposal: Applicants should have an existing high-impact digital project or idea they wish to develop through the fellowship.
Learning Attitude: Open-mindedness to learning and experimenting with new digital tools and concepts.
Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English (written, spoken, and comprehension).
Application Procedure
Phase 1: Complete the application form by March 21, 2025.
Phase 2: Selection; Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
Phase 3: Self-Study; Engage in self-study as part of the preparatory phase.
Phase 4: Preparation for the workshop; Selected participants must complete online assignments assigned by the Safe Sisters lead before attending the workshop.
Phase 5: Attend the workshop scheduled from April 28 to May 2, 2025.
Phase 6: Mentorship; Post-workshop, participants will receive mentorship and financial/technical support as alumni of the fellowship.
ℹ️ For any inquiries, please contact:
🔗 OFFICIAL CALL LINK
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