Gender and Justice Mentorship Programme 2026: Free Mentorship for Global South Feminist Scholars, Researchers, Writers and Activists

Overview

The Gender and Justice Mentorship Programme: Transnational Pathways to Inclusive Feminist Scholarship is an initiative offered by the Gender and Justice Editorial Board. Led by Katie McQuaid from the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom, the programme addresses structural barriers that prevent underrepresented voices from accessing international academic publishing networks and editorial expertise. It is a free academic mentorship and research capacity-building initiative designed to help participants develop their work for potential submission to the journal Gender and Justice, although participation does not guarantee publication.

Who can apply

Eligible applicants include scholars, postgraduate and early-career researchers, independent scholars, writers, activists, and practitioners. Candidates must currently be based in the Global South. Additionally, applicants must not have undertaken master’s-level or doctoral graduate research in the Global North. The opportunity is particularly relevant for those working on gender, feminist theory, queer studies, social theory, feminist activism, and related forms of knowledge production across academic, activist, and creative contexts.

What you get

Selected participants are paired with members of the Gender and Justice Editorial Board for a duration of three to four months. During this time, participants receive guidance through three to four structured online sessions focused on academic writing, conceptual development, argument structure, feminist theory, and the publication process. This capacity-building opportunity is provided free of charge, though it does not offer financial support, funded scholarships, or grants.

Requirements

Applicants must prepare the required documents and submit them using the official application form and email instructions sent to GenderandJustice@lexnetwork.org. Candidates must meet the specific geographical criteria of being based in the Global South and satisfy the educational restriction regarding graduate research in the Global North.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted via email following the official instructions, using the application email address provided. Applicants should consult the official programme announcement for full conditions, application instructions, and eligibility clarifications.

Key dates

The application deadline for the current round is 18 November 2026.