NOW OPEN: Leadership & Advocacy for Women in Africa Fellowship Program

Applications are now open for the 2026/2027 Leadership & Advocacy for Women in Africa Fellowship Program. Established in 1993 at Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, D.C., the LAWA Fellowship was created to empower women’s human rights lawyers from across Africa. The program equips participants with advanced legal education and advocacy skills to promote the rights of women and girls upon their return to their home countries.

The LAWA Fellowship spans approximately 14 months, running from July of the first year through late August of the next. It begins with the Foundations of American Law course and a thesis-writing class. From late August to May, Fellows pursue a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree at Georgetown with a focus on international women’s human rights and complete an extensive graduate thesis. Fellows may also choose to apply for specialized LL.M. or certificate programs.

In addition to their coursework, participants take part in professional development workshops and networking events with U.S. graduates working in women’s rights advocacy. After graduation, Fellows may apply for internship opportunities, though placements are not guaranteed.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a human rights lawyer with a focus on women’s rights.
• Hold an LL.B. or equivalent law degree.
• Preferably reside and work in Africa, and not already hold a master’s degree.
• Have 5–10 years of post-law school experience (exceptions considered).
• Demonstrate strong English proficiency, both written and spoken.
• Show basic computer literacy for research and academic work.
• Commit to returning home after the program to advance women’s rights.
• Be ready for a rigorous academic workload, including heavy reading, research, and a minimum 40-page publishable thesis.

Applicants must also show financial readiness to cover living expenses (approximately USD 35,563), including travel, housing, food, and personal costs, to meet U.S. Embassy visa requirements. A sample budget can be found in the LL.M. Students – Attending Summer Experience guide.

Fellowship Benefits

The LAWA Fellowship covers major academic expenses, including:

• Tuition for summer courses (valued at USD 5,000) and for the Georgetown LL.M. degree (USD 86,294).
• On-campus accommodation for the first three weeks of the program (USD 1,500).
• Books and health insurance during the program (USD 6,098).
• Reimbursement up to USD 600 for medical expenses.

Application Procedure

Applicants must submit the following materials (incomplete applications will not be considered):

1. Completed Application Form, including responses to all three essay questions.

2. Current Resume/CV detailing:

• • Employment history (paid and volunteer), including organizations, locations, and dates.
  • Educational background with schools attended, degrees, grades, and extracurricular activities.
  • Any published works, research papers, honors, awards, or memberships.

1. Two Letters of Recommendation highlighting the applicant’s commitment to women’s rights, legal competence, and work ethic. At least one should come from a professional contact willing to support the Fellow upon return home. Letters can be emailed directly by referees or attached to the application (must arrive by Friday, January 30, 2026).

2. Official Transcript from the law school granting your degree. It must be mailed directly to:

   Jill C. Morrison
   Georgetown University Law Center
   600 New Jersey Avenue, NW, Hotung 5000K
   Washington, DC 20001

   Photocopies or emailed transcripts are not accepted. If you have applied before, resubmit updated application materials but no new transcript.

Application Deadline

Submit all materials via email to [email protected] by Friday, January 16, 2026.

There is no separate application to Georgetown required. Review the Frequently Asked Questions page for more details. Beginning February 1, 2026, check your email regularly for interview notifications—failure to respond promptly may result in forfeiting your place.

For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the Leadership & Advocacy for Women in Africa (LAWA) Fellowship Program