Deadline: January 15, 2024
Applications are open for the Mariam Al-Shafei Fellowship on Technology & Human Rights 2024. This fellowship commemorates the legacy of the beloved colleague Mariam Al-Shafei and brings together digital rights advocates from West Asia and North Africa to collaborate, research, innovate, and address issues and challenges at the intersection of technology and human rights in the region.
They invite fellows to undertake one-year research, policy analysis, or technology development projects based on their areas of interest and expertise. SMEX will offer technical mentorship, skills-building and networking opportunities, resources for research, advocacy support, and overall room for the fellows to endeavor on the topic of their choosing.
For the year 2024, SMEX will be welcoming five non-resident fellows committed to working on the following topics:
- Digital Resilience in the Global South
- Internet Governance in West Asia and North Africa
- Freedom of Expression in Lebanon
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) and Digital Rights
- Feminism and Digital Rights
Benefits
- Working with a mentor who is a technical expert in a field related to the fellow’s topic
- Monthly meetings with a mentor and/or fellowship program manager to support the fellows as they execute their approved work plan, as well as quarterly convening for the entire cohort to share their progress and benefit from peer support and feedback
- A monthly stipend of $900 net
- Fully paid travel and accommodation to attend SMEX’s annual Bread&Net event
- Access to SMEX’s extensive digital rights network, including coalitions SMEX convenes and introductions to practitioners who may offer platforms and other opportunities for collaboration
- Training related to digital security and campaigning
- Additional funds may be available to cover costs associated with attending one additional conference or meeting of direct relevance to the topic researched and located in the WANA region
Eligibility
Ideal candidates will have strong English and Arabic research, writing, and speaking skills. Applicants are expected to have demonstrable experience in and commitment to protecting and promoting digital rights and internet freedoms. The strongest candidates will have thought about how their project ‘grows the field’ of digital rights.
- Applicants should be based in or have significant ties to the West Asia and North Africa (WANA) region.
- The fellowship is open to early to mid-career professionals, including but not limited to data scientists, sociologists, policy experts, journalists, digital rights activists, economists, artists, and individuals from related fields.
- Candidates currently enrolled in or have recently completed postgraduate studies are encouraged to apply, as the fellowship projects will require a research-oriented approach.
- Proficiency in English and Arabic, including strong research, writing, and speaking abilities, is essential.
- Applicants should demonstrate commitment to protecting and promoting digital rights and internet freedoms.
- Ideal candidates will have thoughtfully considered how their proposed project contributes to advancing digital rights and meaningfully ‘growing the field.’
- Fellows must be available to commit approximately 15 hours per week to their fellowship responsibilities, including active participation in monthly virtual meetings.
- Fellows should be open to collaboration, peer support, and mentor engagement.
- Applicants must provide contact information for two professional references who can speak to their qualifications and commitment.
Application
Submit the following documents to the application form by January 15. Files should be labeled: ‘[type of document, e.g. CV]-[family name, first name].’
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- A ‘statement of interest’ indicating your project proposal (a general outline and tactics to be pursued where applicable). All statements should be 2 pages (750 words) max.
- Contact information for two professional references.
- A writing/project sample (this can include a link to your social media page(s)).
For more information, visit Mariam Al-Shafei Fellowship.
