About MSAAW Foundation
My Story As A (Wo)Man Foundation is an Non-Governmental Organisation dedicated to addressing gender-based violence and advancing gender equity. Through survivor-centered approaches, MSAAW empowers individuals and communities by offering mental health support, legal assistance, and financial literacy programs.
The foundation also builds allyship within communities through training, peer learning, and capacity-building initiatives. MSAAW aims to foster a society where survivors are supported, and gender equality becomes a reality.
Program Overview
The MSAAW Foundation Feminist Leadership Fellowship is a specialized program aimed at young students committed to developing innovative, actionable projects that directly address gender disparity, gender-based violence or gender in-equality at the community levels. Over six months, fellows will explore feminist and human rights principles, with a focus on community-driven responses to supporting survivors and addressing gender.
Upon completion of the fellowship, the fellows will have a deeper understanding of feminist leadership and community driven solutions.
Program Goals
- Equip fellows with a deep understanding of feminist and human rights-based approaches to issues addressing gender-based violence, gender inequality and other topics.
- Enable the design of community-specific workshops, courses, or engagement initiatives to foster supportive environments for survivors.
- Translate theoretical learning into practice by implementing sustainable projects through MSAAW’s networks.
- Strengthen fellows’ skills in community engagement, project management, research and advocacy.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Educational Background: 4th or 5th year law students or enrolled in a Master’s program in human rights, gender studies, law, psychology, or related disciplines.
- Project Experience: Interest or prior experience in designing community or advocacy initiatives is an advantage. Interest in gender related projects is a must.
- Commitment: Willingness to dedicate 10-12 hours per week for learning and project implementation.
- Language: Proficient in English and proficiency in one of the languages: Tamil, Kanada, Malayam or Telugu.
Program Structure
Learning Modules: Fellows will attend virtual or in-person workshops on key topics.
Research and Community Needs Assessment:Fellows will conduct community research during the first two months of the program to identify gaps and needs in supporting survivors of GBV. They will work with MSAAW mentors to align their projects with community priorities.
Project Development: Fellows will design one of the following:
- Workshops: Programs for specific community groups addressing gender related topics.
- Courses or engagement activities: Educational series, interactive campaigns or initiatives on fostering safer communities, gender equity, or trauma-informed responses.
Implementation Phase
Fellows will implement their projects during months 4-6, leveraging MSAAW’s networks and resources to ensure community reach and sustainability.
Fellowship Benefits
- A stipend of 10,000 INR per fellow. (2 fellows will be chosen)
- Opportunities to work with MSAAW’s experienced mentors and access its extensive networks.
- A platform to develop and implement impactful projects addressing GBV and gender inequality.
Application process
Please send an email to mystoryasawoman@gmail.com titled ‘Fellowship application’ with a one-page CV and a one-page project pitch. It can also be a short video (max 2 minutes).
We encourage applicants to apply even if they don’t meet all the requirements. We are looking for enthusiastic persons who are passionate about the cause.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: December 31, 2024 (applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis).
- Interview Period: January 1–8, 2025.
- Fellowship Period: January 15–July 15, 2025.
Please note that if you do not hear from us within two weeks of submitting your application, it means your application was not successful.
Diversity and Inclusion
MSAAW strongly encourages applications from survivors of GBV, persons with disabilities, individuals of all gender identities and sexual orientations, and those belonging to marginalized communities such as Dalit or backward classes.
This fellowship represents MSAAW’s commitment to building feminist leaders who can champion community-driven solutions and create meaningful change in addressing GBV and promoting gender equity.
Click here for the official notification.
