Rise Up Together is inviting visionary local leaders from South Africa’s Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal Provinces to join its Leadership and Advocacy Accelerator. This initiative is designed to empower individuals dedicated to advancing gender equity and social justice through transformative change within their organizations and communities. Participants will engage in intensive training to champion improved laws, programs, and funding for women, girls, and gender-nonconforming people on both national and local levels.
Program Overview and Structure
• The program follows a hybrid model, combining a six-day in-person intensive with virtual sessions for a total of 60–65 hours of training.
• Participants will attend a virtual orientation in March 2026 followed by the residential training in April.
• The curriculum includes technical assistance, advocacy strategy development, and panel discussions to strengthen leadership skills.
• The in-person component is scheduled to take place in Gauteng from April 13 to April 18, 2026.
Funding and Support Opportunities
• Graduates of the Accelerator are eligible to apply for seed funding of up to $17,000 to launch systems-change advocacy projects.
• Opportunities for additional re-grants are available to expand or build upon initial project successes.
• Rise Up Together provides ongoing support through proposal development and grantmaking assistance.
• Leaders benefit from advocacy strategy guidance, professional development, and access to a global networking community.
Focus Areas and Eligibility
• The program seeks leaders working at the intersection of gender equity and various social justice issues.
• Key focus areas include gender-based violence, climate resilience, economic opportunity, and LGBTQ+ rights.
• Other relevant themes include criminal justice reform, school safety, child marriage prevention, and sexual and reproductive health and rights.
• Applicants must be based in the Gauteng or KwaZulu-Natal Provinces of South Africa.
Key Application Dates
• Application Period Opens: November 24, 2025.
• Application Period Closes: January 15, 2026.
• Virtual Orientation: March 2026.
• In-Person Accelerator: April 13–18, 2026.
This program offers a unique platform for South African leaders to amplify their voices and collaborate in building a global movement for justice. Interested parties are encouraged to review the selection criteria and contact the South Africa Country Representative for further details regarding the application process and program requirements.