Applications are available for the CFJ Fellowship Programme, an annual legal fellowship initiative from the Clooney Foundation for Justice (CFJ) designed to support the next generation of African women lawyers working to advance justice for women and children.
The programme provides 10 early-career African women lawyers with placements at human-rights and justice organizations in Kenya, Malawi, South Africa and The Gambia.
Fellows gain practical experience in strategic litigation, legal representation and advocacy while working with organizations providing legal services to women and children throughout the justice process.
The programme also provides mentoring, training and access to leading African human-rights and justice experts, including lawyers, judges, activists and academics.
For 2027, CFJ has identified host organizations across the four participating African countries, creating opportunities for selected fellows to develop practical legal skills while contributing directly to human-rights and access-to-justice work.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | CFJ Fellowship Programme |
| Organization | Clooney Foundation for Justice |
| Previous Name | Waging Justice for Women Fellowship Programme |
| Target Group | Early-career African women lawyers |
| Number of Fellows | 10 |
| Focus | Women’s and children’s rights |
| Core Areas | Strategic litigation, legal representation and advocacy |
| Placement Countries | Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, The Gambia |
| Host Organizations | Human-rights and justice organizations |
| Practical Experience | Yes |
| Mentoring | Yes |
| Professional Training | Yes |
| Legal Research | Yes |
| Legal Drafting | Yes |
| Client Support | Yes |
| Court Representation | Yes |
| Technology Training | Included in programme approach |
| Alumni Network | Yes |
| 2027 Host Organizations | Published |
| Stipend | Not stated in supplied programme page |
| 2027 Deadline | Not stated in supplied programme page |
| Fellowship Duration | Not stated in supplied programme page |
What Is the CFJ Fellowship Programme?
The CFJ Fellowship Programme is an annual legal fellowship offered by the Clooney Foundation for Justice for women lawyers across Africa.
The programme provides early-career lawyers with practical opportunities to develop their capabilities in:
- Strategic litigation
- Legal representation
- Advocacy
- Legal research
- Legal drafting
- Client support
- Court representation
- Women’s rights
- Children’s rights
CFJ describes its goal as helping participants become the next generation of justice champions for women and children in Africa.
Waging Justice for Women Fellowship Has a New Name
Applicants who have previously seen the programme advertised as the Waging Justice for Women Fellowship Programme should note an important change.
Beginning in:
August 2026
the Waging Justice for Women Fellowship Programme is being renamed the:
CFJ Fellowship Programme
However, CFJ states that:
Recruitment, eligibility requirements and application processes remain unchanged.
Therefore, older information referring to the Waging Justice for Women Fellowship may relate to the same programme under its previous name.
Who Administers the CFJ Fellowship?
The programme is offered by the Clooney Foundation for Justice and administered in partnership with the Legal Empowerment Fund at the Fund for Global Human Rights.
The programme combines professional legal development with placements at organizations working directly on human-rights and justice issues.
How Many Fellows Are Selected?
The programme funds and places:
10 early-career women lawyers
with participating human-rights and justice organizations.
This makes the programme selective.
Candidates should therefore ensure that their application clearly demonstrates their commitment to justice, women’s rights, children’s rights and the type of legal work undertaken by participating organizations.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is specifically designed for:
Early-career African women lawyers.
The supplied programme page does not provide a complete breakdown of the detailed 2027 eligibility criteria, such as:
- Minimum years of professional experience
- Maximum years of experience
- Specific age limits
- Required law degree classification
- Bar-admission requirements
- Nationality requirements by host country
Applicants should therefore consult the current application form for the complete eligibility conditions rather than assuming requirements that are not stated on the main fellowship page.
Where Are CFJ Fellows Placed?
The programme places fellows in organizations located in:
- Kenya
- Malawi
- South Africa
- The Gambia
Placements include a range of institutions working on human rights, justice and access to legal services.
These include:
- Legal aid providers
- Human-rights organizations
- Universities with legal aid clinics
- Government prosecution services
The specific placement gives fellows practical exposure to different parts of the justice system.
CFJ Fellowship 2027 Host Organizations
CFJ has published its 2027 host organizations.
Centre for Human Rights Education Advice and Assistance — Malawi
The Centre for Human Rights Education Advice and Assistance, or CHREAA, is listed as a 2027 host organization in Malawi.
Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria — South Africa
The Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria is one of the programme’s South African hosts for 2027.
Female Lawyers Association Gambia — The Gambia
The Female Lawyers Association Gambia, commonly known as FLAG, is included among the 2027 host organizations.
Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa — The Gambia
The Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa, or IHRDA, is another 2027 host organization based in The Gambia.
Katiba Institute — Kenya
Kenya’s Katiba Institute is included in CFJ’s 2027 host list.
Women Lawyers Association — Malawi
The Women Lawyers Association in Malawi is another participating host organization.
Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions — Malawi
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in Malawi is also listed among the programme’s hosts.
Legal Aid Bureau — Malawi
Malawi’s Legal Aid Bureau is included in the 2027 fellowship placement network.
University of Malawi — Malawi
The University of Malawi is another institution listed as a 2027 host organization.
What Will CFJ Fellows Do?
The programme provides fellows with immersive practical work experience and hands-on training.
Depending on their placement, fellows can carry out duties including:
- Legal research
- Legal drafting
- Client support
- Legal representation in court
- Advocacy
- Human-rights work
- Supporting access to justice
The experience is designed to strengthen both practical legal capabilities and the fellow’s ability to advocate effectively for women and children.
Strategic Litigation Experience
One of the programme’s major areas of professional development is:
Strategic litigation.
Strategic litigation can allow lawyers and organizations to use carefully selected legal cases to address wider rights issues.
For fellows interested in human rights, constitutional justice and public-interest law, exposure to strategic litigation can provide valuable practical experience.
Legal Representation
CFJ fellows can also gain experience providing legal representation.
This can include supporting legal services for women and children at different stages of the justice process.
The programme therefore goes beyond classroom-based legal training and emphasizes practical experience.
Courtroom Experience
CFJ states that fellows can perform duties including:
Legal representation in court.
Actual responsibilities will depend on the placement, applicable legal rules and the fellow’s role.
This practical component can be particularly valuable to early-career lawyers seeking greater litigation and representation experience.
Legal Research and Drafting
Fellows may undertake:
Legal research and drafting.
These capabilities are fundamental to human-rights and litigation work.
Participants may therefore strengthen their ability to analyse legal issues, develop arguments and prepare legal materials while working in a professional justice environment.
Client Support
Another major aspect of the fellowship is:
Client support.
The host organizations provide legal services to women and children, giving fellows opportunities to understand the human impact of legal systems and barriers to justice.
Women’s and Children’s Rights
The programme has a strong focus on protecting the rights of:
Women and children.
CFJ specifically highlights work addressing issues such as:
- Violence against women
- Violence against children
- Child marriage
- Gender-based violence
- Reproductive rights
Fellows should therefore have a genuine interest in rights-based legal work.
Tackling Child Marriage
The programme seeks to equip fellows with tools to advocate for women and children, particularly in areas including:
Child marriage.
Candidates interested in gender justice, child protection and legal reform may find the fellowship particularly relevant.
Addressing Violence Against Women and Children
Another major programme focus is violence against:
Women and children.
Fellows may contribute to organizations using litigation, representation, advocacy and legal assistance to protect people affected by these forms of violence.
Technology and Access to Justice
The programme also incorporates technology into its approach to justice.
CFJ highlights its focus on using technology to increase access to justice through partnerships involving technology and justice initiatives.
Fellows will be:
Trained in and encouraged to apply innovative technological tools to advance their work.
This makes the programme particularly interesting at a time when artificial intelligence and digital tools are increasingly influencing legal research, access to information and justice services.
Mentoring and Professional Development
CFJ provides fellows with:
- Mentoring
- Training
- Professional exposure
- Access to justice experts
Participants can engage with some of Africa’s leading:
- Human-rights experts
- Lawyers
- Judges
- Activists
- Academics
The fellowship therefore combines practical placement experience with broader professional development.
CFJ Fellowship Alumni Network
Professional support does not necessarily end when the placement concludes.
Upon completing the fellowship, participants are inducted into the:
CFJ Fellowship Alumni Network.
The network provides opportunities for:
- Ongoing support
- Knowledge sharing
- Professional growth
This can help fellows maintain relationships developed during the programme and continue learning from other justice professionals.
CFJ Fellowship Programme Impact
The programme was launched in:
2023.
Since then, CFJ reports that its fellows have worked on:
More than 500 cases
protecting women’s and children’s rights.
The programme has also supported:
More than 2,000 women and children
through legal assistance, advocacy and legal education.
Areas of Impact
CFJ identifies several major issues addressed through fellows’ work, including:
- Gender-based violence
- Reproductive rights
- Child marriage
This demonstrates the programme’s focus on practical justice outcomes rather than professional training alone.
Is the CFJ Fellowship Paid?
The supplied CFJ Fellowship Programme page states that the programme:
Funds and places ten early-career women lawyers.
However, the supplied page does not provide the exact stipend, salary or fellowship allowance for the 2027 cohort.
For this reason, applicants should not rely on an unverified monthly or annual amount.
The current application materials should be checked for detailed financial conditions.
Does CFJ Cover Travel?
The supplied programme page does not provide enough information to confirm the exact 2027 travel package.
Applicants should check the current application guidelines before assuming that:
- Flights are fully covered
- Visa expenses are reimbursed
- Local transportation is covered
- Relocation expenses are provided
These benefits should only be advertised where confirmed by CFJ’s current fellowship conditions.
Is Accommodation Provided?
The supplied programme page does not specify whether CFJ provides:
- Free accommodation
- Housing allowance
- Relocation housing
- Accommodation reimbursement
Applicants should therefore consult the current application documentation for placement-specific financial information.
How Long Is the CFJ Fellowship?
The supplied programme page does not state the exact duration of the 2027 fellowship.
Therefore, a specific duration should not be added without confirmation from CFJ’s current application materials.
Is There an Age Limit?
The supplied programme page does not state a specific age limit.
The programme describes its target group as:
Early-career African women lawyers.
Candidates should consult the detailed application requirements for any additional eligibility restrictions.
Is This Fellowship Only for Women?
Yes.
The programme is specifically described as providing annual legal fellowships for:
Women lawyers across Africa.
Its mission is directly connected to developing a new generation of women lawyers advancing justice for women and children.
Is the Fellowship Open to African Applicants?
The programme specifically targets:
African women lawyers.
Applicants should nevertheless check the detailed current eligibility criteria to determine any specific nationality, residence, professional qualification or placement-country conditions.
Can Recent Law Graduates Apply?
The programme targets early-career lawyers, but the supplied main page does not provide enough information to determine whether every recent law graduate automatically qualifies.
Applicants should check whether the current application requires:
- Professional admission
- Bar qualification
- Legal practice experience
- Particular academic qualifications
Do not assume that holding a law degree alone guarantees eligibility.
Do You Need Previous Human-Rights Experience?
The main programme page does not state a specific minimum number of years of human-rights experience.
However, the fellowship focuses strongly on:
- Human rights
- Women’s rights
- Children’s rights
- Strategic litigation
- Legal representation
- Advocacy
Candidates should clearly demonstrate any relevant academic, volunteer or professional experience in these areas.
How to Prepare a Strong Application
Candidates should build their application around the fellowship’s core purpose.
A strong application should demonstrate:
Commitment to Justice
Explain why protecting the rights of women and children matters to your legal career.
Relevant Legal Experience
Highlight experience with legal research, drafting, advocacy, litigation, client support or representation.
Human-Rights Interest
Show a genuine connection to human-rights and access-to-justice issues.
Leadership Potential
CFJ is seeking to develop the next generation of justice champions.
Applicants should demonstrate how they intend to use the fellowship experience beyond the placement itself.
Understanding of Women’s and Children’s Rights
Candidates should demonstrate awareness of challenges including gender-based violence, child marriage and barriers to justice.
Willingness to Learn
The fellowship includes mentoring, training and technology-focused professional development.
Applicants should demonstrate openness to new approaches and tools.
How to Apply for CFJ Fellowship Programme 2027
Applications are submitted through the CFJ Fellowship Programme application process.
Candidates should first carefully review the current eligibility requirements and application instructions before completing their submission.
Because the programme is competitive and selects only 10 fellows, applicants should prepare their materials carefully and avoid submitting generic applications.
CFJ Fellowship 2027 Application Deadline
The supplied main fellowship page does not state the current 2027 application deadline.
Applicants should therefore consult the active CFJ application page for the applicable deadline.
A deadline from a previous Waging Justice for Women Fellowship cohort should not automatically be presented as the 2027 deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CFJ Fellowship Programme?
It is an annual legal fellowship programme from the Clooney Foundation for Justice for early-career African women lawyers.
Was it previously called Waging Justice for Women Fellowship?
Yes. Beginning in August 2026, the Waging Justice for Women Fellowship Programme is being renamed the CFJ Fellowship Programme.
Have the eligibility requirements changed because of the new name?
CFJ states that recruitment, eligibility requirements and application processes remain unchanged.
How many fellows are selected?
The programme funds and places 10 early-career women lawyers.
Where are fellows placed?
Placements are available with organizations in Kenya, Malawi, South Africa and The Gambia.
What type of organizations host fellows?
Hosts include human-rights organizations, legal aid providers, university legal aid clinics and government prosecution services.
What work do fellows perform?
Duties can include legal research, drafting, client support, advocacy and legal representation in court.
Does the fellowship focus on women’s rights?
Yes. Protecting and advancing women’s and children’s rights is central to the programme.
Does the programme address child marriage?
Yes. Child marriage is specifically identified as one of the issues fellows are equipped to address.
Is technology included in the fellowship?
Yes. CFJ states that fellows will receive training and be encouraged to use innovative technological tools in their work.
Is mentoring provided?
Yes. Fellows receive mentoring and training and gain access to leading human-rights and justice professionals.
Is there an alumni network?
Yes. Fellowship graduates join the CFJ Fellowship Alumni Network.
Is the fellowship paid?
CFJ states that the programme funds and places the 10 fellows, but the supplied page does not state the exact stipend or financial package.
Is accommodation covered?
The supplied programme page does not specify the 2027 accommodation arrangements.
Does CFJ cover flights?
The supplied programme page does not specify the 2027 travel package.
What is the 2027 application deadline?
The deadline is not stated on the supplied main fellowship page and should be checked through the current application process.
Conclusion
The CFJ Fellowship Programme 2027 offers an important professional-development opportunity for early-career African women lawyers committed to advancing justice for women and children.
The Clooney Foundation for Justice funds and places 10 fellows with human-rights and justice organizations across Kenya, Malawi, South Africa and The Gambia.
Participants can develop practical capabilities in strategic litigation, legal research, legal drafting, client support, advocacy and court representation, while receiving mentoring and training from experienced justice professionals.
CFJ has also incorporated technology into the programme, with fellows trained and encouraged to use innovative tools to advance access to justice.
Since the programme launched in 2023, fellows have worked on more than 500 cases involving women’s and children’s rights and supported more than 2,000 women and children through legal assistance, advocacy and legal education.
For 2027, CFJ has already published host organizations across the four participating countries.
Applicants should note that the programme’s name changed from Waging Justice for Women Fellowship Programme to CFJ Fellowship Programme beginning in August 2026, while CFJ says recruitment, eligibility requirements and application processes remain unchanged.
The supplied programme page does not state the exact 2027 stipend, fellowship duration or application deadline, so applicants should confirm those details through CFJ’s current application materials before applying.
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