Call for Applications: Women at the Front of Digital Space (WFDS) Fellowship 2026 (Cohort 1)

Digital spaces are where today's conversations, campaigns, and civic movements are happening — but for many young women, those same spaces come with real risks: harassment, misinformation, and technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV). The Women at the Front of Digital Space (WFDS) Fellowship 2026, presented by Smart Aid Initiative in partnership with WFDS, is opening its doors to young women ready to turn those risks into leadership.

If you've been looking for a hands-on programme to build your digital confidence and become an advocate for safer, smarter online spaces — this is one to add to your list.

What Is the WFDS Fellowship About?

The WFDS Fellowship is a six-week hybrid leadership programme designed to equip young women with practical knowledge and skills in:

-Digital Democracy — understanding how technology shapes civic participation, governance, and citizen engagement

-Online Safety — practical strategies for staying safe while navigating digital platforms

-Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) — recognizing, preventing, and responding to online gender-based violence

-Countering Misinformation — identifying false information and promoting responsible digital communication

-Digital Advocacy — designing and running digital campaigns that create real community impact

-The programme blends virtual learning sessions, expert-led workshops, one-on-one mentorship, peer learning, and a two-day in-person bootcamp, so fellows walk away with both knowledge and hands-on experience.

-A key part of the fellowship is the community step-down session — after completing the programme, fellows are expected to organize a virtual session to pass on what they've learned to other young women in their communities. This is how the programme's impact multiplies beyond the 20 selected fellows.

Who Is This For? (Eligibility)

-Young women aged 18–30 years

-Resident in Kaduna State, Nigeria (this cohort is specifically for Kaduna State — applicants from outside Kaduna State are not eligible for Cohort 1)

-Interested in digital rights, online safety, civic engagement, or technology

-Motivated and willing to commit to the full six weeks, including the two-day physical bootcamp

-Persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply — the organizers have committed to providing reasonable accessibility accommodations for the in-person bootcamp, and applicants are invited to indicate any accessibility needs on the application form

-Only 20 fellows will be selected for this cohort, so competition will be tight. Selection will be based on eligibility, motivation, commitment, and your potential to apply and share what you learn.

What Fellows Get

-Certificate of Completion

-Expert-led training and mentorship

-A peer network of like-minded young women

-Practical digital advocacy tools and resources

-A two-day intensive in-person bootcamp

-The opportunity to lead a community step-down session and grow your own leadership profile

Application Deadline

14 August 2026

How to Apply

Applications are submitted via Google Form:

👉 Apply Here

Make sure to fill in the form carefully and honestly — accuracy matters during selection.

Why You Should Apply

Digital literacy, online safety, and advocacy skills aren't optional anymore for young women who want to lead — they're essential. Whether you're passionate about civic engagement, gender equality, tech, or community advocacy, the WFDS Fellowship gives you a structured, supported path to build real skills, connect with mentors, and become a voice for safer digital spaces in your community.

If you're a young woman in Kaduna State between 18 and 30, ready to grow your digital leadership — this fellowship was built for you. Don't wait until the last minute; get your application in before 14 August 2026.