Open to Catholic sisters from Sub-Saharan Africa, the fellowship seeks applicants dedicated to the development of their communities and the empowerment of women and girls, in service to the common good.
Who Should Apply
The Women Faith Leaders Fellowship is intended for experienced Catholic sisters who are committed to strengthening their leadership and advancing opportunities for women and girls in their communities.
The fellowship brings together experienced women religious from across sub-Saharan Africa to learn with and from one another while engaging with global scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and faith leaders from diverse disciplines, sectors, and traditions. Fellows should demonstrate a strong commitment to service, a desire to deepen their leadership practice through reflection and dialogue, and an interest in translating new perspectives into meaningful action within their ministries and communities.
Applications are reviewed by a selection committee of Georgetown University faculty and staff. Fellows are selected based on their demonstrated leadership, commitment to the fellowship's mission, and potential to contribute to and benefit from this collaborative learning community.
The Women Faith Leaders Fellowship is an initiative of the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs at Georgetown University. As one of the world's leading centers for the interdisciplinary study of religion and global affairs, the Berkley Center brings together diverse perspectives across faith traditions, academic disciplines, and professional fields. The fellowship draws on this distinctive educational environment to help experienced leaders broaden their perspectives, strengthen their practice, and build relationships that extend well beyond the fellowship itself.
Georgetown University has sole discretion in the selection of fellowship participants.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a Catholic sister actively serving in ministry or community leadership in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Demonstrate a commitment to advancing the leadership and well-being of women and girls.
- Be proficient in spoken and written English.
- Be willing to actively participate in a collaborative learning community and engage with fellows, mentors, and faculty.
- Be able to commit to the full 10-month fellowship, including participation in the required in-person educational program during the first half of 2027.
- Have the endorsement of their religious superior and the support of their congregation to participate in the fellowship.
- Have (or be able to establish) a bank account that can receive international wire transfers and access to a phone or computer capable of completing Georgetown University's secure supplier registration process.
- Hold a passport that will remain valid throughout the fellowship and for at least six months after its completion.
Applications
The application period for the 2026–2027 Women Faith Leaders Fellowship is now closed.
If you are interested in being considered for a future cohort, we encourage you to complete our Expression of Interest Form. Individuals who submit the form will receive fellowship updates and be notified when the next application period opens.
When applications reopen, detailed application instructions, guidance materials, and key dates will be posted on this website.