CALL FOR APPLICATIONS Feminist Leadership Accelerator for Change (FLAC) Fellowship 2026 | Cohort 3

ABOUT THE PROGRAMME

The Feminist Leadership Accelerator for Change (FLAC) is a flagship fellowship programme of Soul City Institute for Social Justice (SCI). FLAC is a transformational learning and co-creation space that nurtures feminist consciousness and builds the capacity of young African women to lead change in their communities and beyond. Through FLAC, SCI inspires young women to embrace lifelong learning, feminist activism, and the courage to challenge unjust systems - so that all women may achieve self-determination, realise their full human rights, and live with dignity in a just society.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE & MODULES

The FLAC Fellowship is an 12-month programme that prepares young leaders to drive meaningful change in their communities. Fellows engage in immersive learning, peer dialogue, and practical action. The programme covers the following modules:

• Gender & Healing: Childhood Conditioning & Recovery
• Feminism 101: African Feminist Epistemology & Decolonial Thought
• Communications & Media Part A: Photo-Voice & Feminist Storytelling
• Feminist Activism & Movement Building
• Sexual & Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) & Sexual & Reproductive Justice
• Feminist Leadership: Power, Ethics & Practice
• Economic & Climate Justice through a Feminist Lens
• Communications & Media Part B: Advocacy Campaigns & Digital Strategy
• Community Accelerator Project (CAP): Design & Implementation
• Job Readiness & Professional Development

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

All applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Hold a minimum of a high school certificate, diploma, or undergraduate degree
• Be between 19 and 25 years of age at the time of application
• Self-identify as a woman (our definition of 'woman' includes all who self-identify as such)
• Demonstrate a track record of community leadership or activism, with a focus on women's rights (preferred)
• Show a genuine commitment to social justice and feminist principles
• Reside in South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Botswana, or Zimbabwe

Young women living in rural areas and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Please submit the following documents as part of your application:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) - maximum 3 pages, including a description of a time you demonstrated leadership in your community or personal life
• Motivation Letter - explaining why you wish to join the FLAC Fellowship and summarising your activism and community work
• Motivation Video - a short video (2 - 3 minutes) outlining your passion for social justice and the change you wish to create
• Two Letters of Recommendation from community representatives (not friends or family) who can speak to your work ethic and commitment - recommenders must state their name, position, contact information, and relationship to the applicant
• One Reference Letter from a former high school educator or tertiary lecturer confirming your active leadership role during your studies (mandatory)

HOW TO APPLY

Register and submit your complete application package via the online application link below before the closing date.

https://gms.smapply.org/prog/feminist_leadership_accelerator_for_change/  Application Deadline: 27 July 2026

For any enquiries or further information, please contact us at:  flac@soulcity.org.za

Soul City Institute for Social Justice  |  www.soulcity.org.za |  flac@soulcity.org.za