Program Overview
The “Aghaaz” fellowship program, meaning rebirth in Dari, is designed to empower and support Afghan women evacuees through strategic partnerships with organizations experienced in various topics including women’s leadership, peace and security, human rights, education, entrepreneurship, good governance, and the rule of law. As part of this initiative, we will collaborate with like-minded organizations, including universities, civil society organizations, and think-tanks in Washington D.C. This joint effort aims to enhance the program’s effectiveness by leveraging the extensive expertise and resources of these organizations and establishing partnerships to secure meaningful fellowship opportunities for selected participants.
The application, along with two reference letters are due on August 10th.
Fellowship Criteria
1. Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicants must be Afghan women who have been evacuated to the U.S., with a priority for those who were evacuated by Vital Voices Global Partnership.
- Applicants must have a clear commitment to advancing women’s rights and empowerment, including through leadership development, entrepreneurship and the promotion of human rights and rule of law.
- Applicants should have a demonstrated interest in women’s empowerment, capacity building, diaspora organizing, policy and advocacy, and resettlement support. Applicants should have a presence in the U.S. as a priority
- Applicants must be willing to work collaboratively with other organizations and fellow participants.
- Financial stability and capacity will be considered, but financial need will not be a disqualifying factor.
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Proficient in English
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Be at least 18 years old
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Demonstrated commitment to the Vital Voices core principles of leadership: innovative, collaborative, and driven by a clear sense of mission; has strong roots in her community; is committed to connecting across lines that divide
2. Application Process:
- Interested candidates must submit a complete application, including a personal statement, resume/CV, and at least two letters of recommendation.
- The personal statement should demonstrate the applicant’s alignment with the project’s goals and objectives, as well as their passion for women’s rights and leadership development.
- Letters of recommendation should be provided by individuals who can speak to the applicant’s qualifications and commitment to the program’s objectives.
3. Fellowship Selection:
- A selection panel made up of VV’s Afghanistan portfolio will review all applications based on the eligibility criteria and the strength of the personal statements.
- The selection committee will consist of representatives from partner organizations and relevant Afghan experts.
- Shortlisted candidates may be interviewed to assess their commitment and ability to work effectively within the program.
4. Fellowship Components:
- Fellows will have the opportunity to pursue fellowships at like-minded NGOs, think-tanks, and universities in Washington D.C. that offer programs relevant to their objectives. More detail on the organizations below.
- Fellows will receive ongoing mentorship and support throughout their fellowship experience, including regular check-ins with the fellows to check the fellowship progress and networking opportunities.
Fellows will be encouraged to share their experiences and insights through speaking engagements, published articles, or other means to promote the program’s goals.
Partner Organizations
Counterpart International:
- Providing capacity building and development programs globally.
- Focus on governance, civil society, and community resilience initiatives.
- Collaborating with local partners for sustainable development.
Afghan American Foundation:
- Offer educational and vocational programs for Afghan-Americans and those in Afghanistan.
- Facilitate community development projects and cultural exchanges.
- Support refugees, immigrants, and advocacy efforts.
Women for Afghan Women (WAW):
- Advocate for women’s rights and empowerment in Afghanistan.
- Operate shelters and provide services for women and children.
- Offer education, vocational training, and healthcare services.
Afghan American Women’s Association:
- Promote cultural preservation and community engagement among Afghan-American women.
- Provide social services, educational resources, and advocacy support.
- Empower women’s leadership and advocate for gender equality.
Mina’s List:
- Empower women’s political participation and leadership globally.
- Support and train women from conflict-affected regions in politics.
How To Apply
The application will take approximately 30 minutes to complete.
Click here to apply.
If you have any questions or challenges with the application, please email nohaalkamcha@vitalvoices.org and spouzhmaiakberzai@vitalvoices.org with the subject line: Aghaaz Fellowships Application.