The Women’s Refugee Commission (WRC) invites applications for the Humanitarian Futures: Gender, Displacement, and Justice Fellowship 2026, an eight-month research program designed to empower early to mid-career women scholars investigating critical issues at the intersection of gender, displacement, and humanitarian systems. This fellowship prioritizes the leadership and lived experience of displaced women, generating research that challenges conventional humanitarian frameworks and promotes inclusive, feminist, and community-driven alternatives.
Fellowship Overview
The Humanitarian Futures Fellowship offers selected researchers a comprehensive support package, including:
- Research stipend to facilitate project work
- Guidance and mentorship from WRC staff
- Peer learning opportunities through a cohort of fellow researchers
- Platforms to present findings at convenings and publish research on WRC channels
The fellowship runs from March 2026 to October 2026, providing a structured and supportive environment for scholars to advance gender justice and humanitarian innovation.
Also Apply For: African Impact Challenge 2026 for Innovators
Eligibility Criteria
The fellowship is open to women researchers who:
- Have completed or are currently enrolled in a graduate degree (Master’s or PhD) in fields such as International Studies, Political Science, Gender Studies, Public Health, Sociology, or Anthropology
- Have 3–10 years of research experience
- Possess lived experience of displacement, forced migration, or statelessness
- Demonstrate commitment to community-centered and participatory research methods
- Have experience in displacement, migration, or humanitarian contexts
- Are fluent in English
Women are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet all listed requirements. Ideal candidates also bring experience in translating research into policy or advocacy outcomes, strong communication skills, proficiency in data analysis tools, and a gender justice perspective in their work.
Research Focus Areas
Fellows will pursue original research on one of WRC’s key thematic areas or propose alternative topics aligned with the organization’s priorities. Core research themes include:
- Redefining Protection – Exploring how women define safety, dignity, and autonomy in displacement, and how these perspectives can reshape humanitarian protection and gender-based violence (GBV) frameworks.
- Gender, Power, and Systems Change – Investigating feminist, decolonial, and community-driven humanitarian approaches, including culturally rooted interventions that offer scalable alternatives to traditional aid models.
- Reproductive Health and Bodily Autonomy – Examining access to reproductive healthcare in crisis contexts, including contraception, maternal health, abortion care, menstrual health, and informed decision-making.
- Dignified and Gender-Inclusive Self-Reliance – Identifying barriers and enablers for displaced women to achieve sustainable, dignified livelihoods.
- Rights and Justice – Analyzing the impact of national laws, policies, and government practices on protection, justice, and self-reliance for displaced and stateless women.
WRC encourages research on displacement, statelessness, and migration in regions including Afghanistan/Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central America, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Rohingya populations (Bangladesh/Myanmar), Sudan, and Syria.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following by February 9, 2026, 11:59 PM EST:
- Statement of Interest / Cover Letter (max 800 words) – Includes a brief biography, motivation for applying, and alignment with professional goals.
- CV / Resume (max 3 pages) – Highlighting education, publications, and relevant experience.
- Research Proposal (max 1,500 words) – Detailing research questions, significance, methodology, and community-centered approaches.
- Two Writing Samples – Demonstrating analytical and research capabilities (published or unpublished), with a combined maximum of 50 pages.
- Two References – Contact details of professional or academic referees.
About the Women’s Refugee Commission
Founded over 35 years ago, the WRC champions the rights, safety, and well-being of displaced and migrant women and girls worldwide. The organization drives systemic change in humanitarian response, ensuring programs are inclusive, participatory, and informed by the voices of women directly affected by displacement. WRC’s approach emphasizes co-designing research with local and women-led organizations, generating evidence to influence policies and practices globally.
Why Apply
The Humanitarian Futures Fellowship provides an unparalleled opportunity to:
- Conduct impactful, policy-relevant research on gender and displacement
- Collaborate with WRC staff and a global network of researchers
- Gain mentorship and professional development
- Contribute to advancing inclusive, feminist humanitarian systems
By centering displaced women’s voices and experiences, fellows help shape innovative solutions to some of the world’s most urgent humanitarian challenges.
Application Deadline
All applications must be submitted by Monday, February 9, 2026. Early submission is encouraged to ensure consideration.
For more information, visit the Women’s Refugee Commission Fellowship.
