Call for Youth Ambassadors

Building Bridges Foundation in partnership with The Voice of Women Initiative and the African Youth Movement are happy to announce the call for Youth Ambassadors 

From Amsterdam to Cape Town

Building Bridges is a project about realizing a world where young people and women have equal access and opportunities to shape the future they want. We aim to bridge the gap between young people on the ground and decision makers at the United Nations in New York. We do this by cycling through 20 countries on two continents, from the lowlands of the Netherlands to the vast desserts of the Sahara, from rural communities to crowded metropolises. We connect young people on the ground, share moments and worldviews and inspire one another to become agents of change. For more information about the project please read carefully here

Building Bridges Project with achieve its mission with the vibrant collaboration of the Voice of Women Initiative as a leading network using the power of digital media to connect women worldwide and bring them a global voice and The African Youth Movement as a pan-Africanist action-oriented, social movement that strives for the development, active participation and leadership of African youth in the fight for social justice.

We are looking for you when you:

Applicants should be national and residents of the following countries: the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, France, Spain, Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, Angola, Namibia, Botswana or South Africa.

The choice of the countries has been made according to the road map below:

From Amsterdam to Cape Town, from the vast desserts of the Sahara to the central highlands of Namibia, from rural communities to crowded metropolises, this adventurous journey’s goal is not to steer. The goal is to connect with young people on the ground, to share stories and to inspire one another to make a change for the world we want. We do this with a special focus on the post-2015 agenda, how do young people and women on the ground envision the world in 2030? And how do they see the role of Gender Equality in their society?

We do this by undertaking an adventurous journey; a journey that leads us on a bicycle through two continents and twenty-one countries. During this ride we will speak to the future leaders from Africa and Europe.

Our Building Bridges team will cycle from Amsterdam to Cape Town to picture the post-2015 agenda from a different perspective, a perspective that focuses on the priorities of young people on the grassroots level and the position of women in the societies that they pass through.

A crucial element of the project is the appointment of Youth Ambassadors in each of the participating countries.

The youth ambassadors will receive ownership over the project in their countries that provide them with the opportunity to champion their vision for a better world. They will lead their peers and the wider community in pursuing the mission of the Building bridges projects.

Eligibility

• Are between 18 – 30 years
• Believe in a world where young people can shape their own future
• Be determined, creative and open-minded
• Have a huge passion for youth-led development
• Have good organizational skills and can work independently
• Are willing to put at least 6-8 hours a week for the Building Bridges project

Responsibilities and tasks of a Youth Ambassador:

• Being both an advocate & activist for the mission of Building Bridges
• Organizing events related to the Building Bridges project
• Writing blogs and creating content on Social Media
• Lead right where you are
• Connect, share, inspire

Gains from being a Youth Ambassadors:

• Get your profile and picture on the Building Bridges website
• Become part of a worldwide network of young people from all layers of society
• Develop real-world experience with being both an advocate and activist.
• Discover where your talents, passions, and the needs of the world intersect.
• Join a group of friends challenging one another to make something awesome happen.

All ambassadors will receive a Certificate of Participation and a Recommendation Letter.

All interested candidates who meet the requirements should send their CV and Cover Letter to vowinitiative@gmail.com 

Please when sending your information, the topic should be “Youth Ambassadors for Building Bridges Project- your country”.

 Deadline to receive your applications is November 20th, 2014

Apply To Be A Global Health Corps Fellow

Applications for the 2015-2016 fellowship are NOW OPEN! To apply, click here.

 

Applications close February 3, 2015. Positions for the 2015-2016 fellowship and Part 2 of the application will be posted on December 9, 2014.

To view the positions currently filled by 2014-2015 fellows, click here. 

 To view the application questions without creating an online application, click here.

Application Requirements:

• Be 30 or under at the start of the fellowship
• Have an undergraduate university degree by July 2015
• Be proficient in English

Application Timeline for the 2015-2016 Fellowship:

• November 5, 2014: Part 1 of the application opens
• December 9, 2014: Position descriptions posted online. Part 2 of the application opens
• February 3, 2015: Applications close at 11:59pm EST. Two recommendation forms and Proof of Identity and Proof of Education documents due
• February – March 2015: Each application is reviewed by at least two readers
• March 2015: up to 10 semi-finalists are selected for each fellowship position. All candidates are notified of their application status by email
• March 2015: All semi-finalists are interviewed by Global Health Corps and 3-5 finalists per position are selected
• March – April 2015: All finalists are interviewed by the placement organizations
• April – May 2015: Fellowship offers extended

Fellows come from a wide range of educational and professional backgrounds, as each individual fellowship position requires different specific skills. Make sure to check out our fellowship FAQs page.

Wondering if you could be a GHC fellow?

Click here to hear alum, Aaron Shapiro, discuss his experience applying to the fellowship and respond to applicants who are wondering,  ”Am I qualified?” 

There is no single experience, background, quality or skill that makes someone the “right” candidate for the fellowship. Rather, we are looking for outstanding individuals who are seeking to apply their skills and their passion for health equity to a lifelong community of global changemakers. We do not expect that fellows will have a background in public health or that they have been involved in international development work before. We believe that global health organizations can greatly benefit from individuals who have worked in or studied a wide variety of fields. We strongly encourage applicants from all sectors to apply, including but by no means limited to engineering, finance, consulting, government, architecture, research, technology, and education.

Our fellows apply a diversity of professional skills to their GHC placements:

Through your application, we want to understand your personal background, your professional skills and experiences and how these factors inform your desire to be a GHC fellow.

In selection of GHC fellows, we are not looking for evidence of leadership experience, but rather an alignment with the leadership practices listed below. We have found that transformational leaders in global health, and successful GHC fellows, are committed to the following leadership practices.

Global Health Corps fellows are agents of change who:

Are committed to social justice: GHC fellows believe that all human beings deserve to be treated with dignity, and that healthcare is a human right. Fellows share a vision for a better world and are committed to creating transformative change.

Collaborate: GHC leaders appreciate the interconnected roots of global health inequities, and seek opportunities to collaborate across disciplines and backgrounds in pursuit of social change.

Inspire and mobilize others: GHC leaders can envision a just society and paint a compelling picture for others.  They communicate complex concepts clearly and seek opportunities to use their personal stories as tools to engage others in the movement for health equity

Adapt and innovate: Fellows can weather adversity and remain committed to their goals. They see challenges and uncertainty as opportunities to create new solutions to old problems. They think outside the box.

Are self-aware and committed to learning: Fellows understand that their development as leaders, practitioners and humans is a life-long process that requires humility, continual reflection and work.

Get results: GHC leaders get things done! Actively working against a “business as usual” attitude, they improve the wellbeing of the world’s poor and vulnerable by empowering communities, organizations and governments to bring about positive change.

ERASMUS MUNDUS MASTER’S DEGREE IN WOMEN’S AND GENDER STUDIES (GEMMA) 2015-17

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR 2015 NOW OPEN

EU Scholarships available

The Erasmus Mundus Master’s Degree in Women’s and Gender Studies (GEMMA) is an inter-university, interdisciplinary programme aimed at students interested in Women’s Studies, Gender Studies and Equal Opportunities Policies. It has been selected and funded by the European Commission as a Master’s degree of recognized excellence.  

November 30^th 2014 is the deadline for candidates applying for an Erasmus Mundus scholarship. These are highly prestigious and generous scholarships awarded by the European Commission for both EU and non-EU applicants covering tuition fees, health insurance, installation costs and personal expenses for the duration of the programme.

For detailed information about the Erasmus Mundus GEMMA programme and how to apply see:http://masteres.ugr.es/gemma-es/

For details of the programme at the University of Hull, the UK Consortium partner see:http://www2.hull.ac.uk/fass/socsci/postgraduate-studies/gemma---ma-women-and-gender.aspx

The call for applications for candidates not eligible for an Erasmus Mundus scholarship will open in March-May 2015.

This two-year full time MA (120 ECTS) includes at least one semester of compulsory mobility (with the option of a year at the chosen partner) at a different European university within the GEMMA Consortium. Thus, graduates benefit from an international education and receive a double Master’s Degree from two partner institutions. The programme offers mobility routes between the following universities within the GEMMA Constortium:  

1.    University of Hull (United Kingdom)

2.    University of Granada (Spain)

3.    University of Oviedo (Spain)

4.    Central European University (Budapest, Hungary)

5.    University of Bologna (Italy)

6.    University of Utrecht (The Netherlands)

7.    University of Lodz (Poland)

Students on the GEMMA programme can also apply to spend 3 months at our US partner, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey (USA) in their final semester of their second year.

Please help us circulate this call for applications by sharing it with your colleagues, students and anyone for whom you think it may be of interest.

For further information about the GEMMA programme at the University of Hull, UK, please contact Dr. Suzanne Clisby (s.m.clisby@hull.ac.uk) or Dr. Rachel Alsop (r.alsop@hull.ac.uk)

Career opportunities for young Africans at the World Bank

Through targeted programs and internships, the World Bank benefits from investing in the talent of young African professionals, and has much to gain by investing in more. Below is a list of career opportunities available for young Africans who are interested in working at the World Bank. The jobs are stationed both at the headquarters in Washington, DC and the Africa country offices. All of these opportunities are paid and require fluency in English. However, fluency in at least one other Bank language (French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Portuguese, or Chinese) is an advantage.
1) Africa Fellowship Program
Description
Fellows will spend a minimum of 6 months getting hands-on experience at World Bank headquarters in Washington D.C. to work on economic policy, technical assistance to countries, and lending for eliminating poverty and increasing shared prosperity.
Who can apply?
Doctoral students of African descent within one or two years of completing a Ph.D. program in the following fields: Economics, Demography, Applied Statistics and Econometrics, Impact Evaluation, Education, Health, Energy, Agriculture, and Infrastructure. Applicants must be 32 years of age or below.
Learn more and APPLY here.
2) Internship Program
Description
This Internship typically seeks candidates in the following fields: Economics, Finance, Human Development (public health, education, nutrition, population), Social Science (anthropology, sociology), Agriculture, Environment, Private Sector Development, as well as other related fields.
Who can apply?
Candidates must possess an undergraduate degree and already be enrolled in a full-time graduate study program (pursuing a Master's degree or PhD with plans to return to school in a full-time capacity).
Learn more and APPLY here.
3) Junior Professionals Associates Program
Description
This is a two-year, entry-level program designed for those skilled in areas such as Economics, Finance, Human Resources Development (public health, education, nutrition, population), Social Sciences (anthropology, sociology), Agriculture, Environment, Private Sector Development, as well as other related fields.
Who can apply?
Applicants 28 years of age or below, holding the equivalent of a Bachelor's degree, with some relevant job experience.
Learn more and APPLY here.
4) MIGA Professional Program
Description
Candidates will be assigned to one of MIGA’s department to work in underwriting, financial accounting and reporting, as well as economics and risk management (including environmental and social risk mitigation).
Who can apply?
Applicants under 35 years of age with an advanced degree and a minimum of 5 years working experience in the relevant field.
Learn more and APPLY here.
5) Young Professionals Program
Description
This is a two-year, entry-level program  designed for those skilled in areas such as Economics, Finance, Education, Public Health, Social Sciences, Engineering, Urban Planning, and Natural Resource Management.
Who can apply?
This program is open to applicants under 32 years of age with an advanced degree and a minimum of 3 years working experience in the relevant field.
Learn more and APPLY here.

To join the discussion on youth in Africa, follow @WorldBankAfrica on Twitter, and use the hashtag #AfricasYouth. 

Australia Awards – Africa Fellowships

Applications open 1 September 2014 - 16 January 2015

Promoting development in Africa through education and training

Australia Awards – Africa Fellowships provide short-term training opportunities for African professionals in specialized fields.

The objective of the Australia Awards – Africa Fellowships is to develop the capacity and leadership skills of Africans so they can contribute more effectively to development in their home countries.

Course durations range between one and three months. Training is delivered in Australia as well as in various locations in Africa.

Key sectors of focus, agreed between Australia and African partner governments are:

·  Agriculture and Food Security

·  Extractives

·  Public Policy

Details of individual courses are published on the Australia Awards website: www.australiaawardsafrica.org

Eligibility

To be eligible for an Australia Awards – Africa Fellowship, applicants must meet all eligibility criteria, including the following:

·  Citizen of an eligible African country

·  Minimum academic requirement (normally Bachelor’s degree or equivalent)

·  Mid- to senior-level professional currently employed in a relevant field

·  Meets relevant post-graduation work experience requirements

·  Demonstrates a clear vision for how the knowledge gained through the Fellowship will be used to improve policy, practice, research or reform in their home country.

·  Satisfactory English proficiency to enable full participation in a training course delivered in English.

·  Satisfies all requirements of the Australian Government for a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) student visa

·  HIV-positive condition is not a barrier to eligibility.

Detailed eligibility criteria are published on the Australia Awards website: www.australiaawardsafrica.org

Gender Equality

Australia Awards targets equal participation by women and men. Applications from women are strongly encouraged. Mechanisms are in place to support women applicants and Awardees if necessary, to ensure parity as far as possible.

Disability Inclusion

Australia Awards aims to ensure that people with a disability are given fair and equal opportunity to compete for and obtain a scholarship. Applications from Africans with disability are strongly encouraged. Mechanisms are in place to support applicants and Awardees requiring specific assistance.

Costs covered

Australia Awards cover the full cost of tuition fees, training materials, accommodation, living expenses, health insurance for basic medical and hospital care in Australia and in Africa, and travel within Africa and to and from Australia.

VVLead Fellowship Program Application Now Open Through November 23rd

I am thrilled to invite you to apply for the VVLead Fellowship Program!

Designed for women leaders who are committed to ending economic disparities for women and girls, violence against women and/or harmful cultural practices, VVLead engages both emerging and established women leaders in the business, non-profit, advocacy, media and/or public service/government sectors. Through opportunities tailored to meet the needs, challenges and contextual differences of participants, VVLead is comprised of online courses, in-person exchanges, networking and peer training sessions, resource libraries and working and discussion groups. For more information, please see the attached overview of programmatic offerings and components.  http://www.vitalvoices.org/vvleadfellowship

Vital Voices, the preeminent non-governmental organization that identifies, trains and empowers emerging women leaders and social entrepreneurs around the globe, embarked on the groundbreaking partnership with the UK government’s Department for International Development (DFID) in 2013 through the formation of VVLead. Recognizing that in order to advance the causes of women, women themselves must connect with, empower, equip and inspire one another at all levels of society, Vital Voices and DFID are committed to helping create a unified response, not just from women’s rights activists and sectoral experts, but also from a wide range of professionals and practitioners across fields and methodologies. The VVLead Fellowship Program is a critical step in this response, offering participants unique opportunities to exchange information, obtain resources and tools, mentor and be mentored and receive vital training through offerings tailored to meet their needs, goals and objectives.

I hope that you will consider applying to take part in this unique opportunity. VVLead applications may be accessed at http://www.vitalvoices.org/vvleadfellowship via the “Apply Here” link. Applications for VVLead will be accepted until Sunday, November 23^rd, 2014.

Additionally, should you work with a women leader whom you think would be interested in applying for the VVLead Fellowship Program, please don’t hesitate to send the application along.

Thank you in advance for your consideration, time and effort.

Empowering Adolescent Girls: Ending the Cycle of Violence

On December 19, 2011, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/170 to declare October 11^th as the International Day of the Girl Child. This day aims to recognize girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world. This year’s theme was centered on Empowering Adolescent Girls to end the cycle of violence. As an avid human rights activist and a champion of all things girl empowerment, this day holds special significance and sentimental value to me especially when I think of the 250 Million adolescent girls who live in poverty globally! Being a girl in several contexts of our world comes with its own numerous challenges and it is very unfortunate that the mainstream media does not articulate their plight and also because of the unspoken social contract that exists between classes which results in some of us turning a blind eye to such obvious atrocities.

You would be surprised to know that in some places today, upon reaching puberty most girls will be married off as child brides and will be forced to stop any formal education and will be required to bear children when they are not ready physically, emotionally and mentally. Most of these child brides do not get to choose whom they marry as that decision is made for them sometime even before she can even walk or talk. This cycle exposes her to numerous health complications such as fistulae, HIV & AIDS, STIs, domestic violence and even death during childbirth. It is estimated that in a year, 15 million girls aged below 18 years are married worldwide. In developing worlds one in seven girls is married before her 15th birthday.

There is a growing recognition that harmful traditional beliefs and practices such as early and forced marriage underscore violence and discrimination against girls. Other forms of traditionally condoned forms of discriminations that are rampantly practiced include: son preference; and female genital mutilation (FGM), honor killings, bride burning, and wife inheritance, to name but a few. Even more shocking is the plague of sex trafficking cartels that kidnap girls and force them into prostitution in several regions of the world especially widespread in Cambodia and in most other South-East Asian countries.

#IDG 2014 Ending the Cycle of Violence

Around the world, according to Amnesty International and other reputable sources including the World Bank and WHO, at least one in every three females has been beaten, coerced into sex, or otherwise abused in her lifetime. Our socialization process and with these evident prevalent violence occurrence against girls and women results not surprisingly to the mistaken belief that spousal violence in any form is justifiable. Every year, violence in the home and the community devastates the lives of millions of girls and women. Violence against girls and women is rooted in a global culture of discrimination, which denies females equal rights with men and which legitimizes the appropriation of women's bodies for individual gratification or political ends.

Having an international day of the Girl Child first and far most recognizes these human rights violations and attempts to clamor support and momentum around just causes such as the Girl Declaration http://www.girleffect.org/media/139917/declaration_document_web_v6_26_9_13_copy.pdf and the Girl Generation which is  an Africa-led movement to end female genital mutilation (FGM) in one generation among other noble causes to fight for women and girls rights and freedoms. As you go about your day, week and year, I urge you to occasionally reflect on how you can turn girls oppressions into opportunity and to be present to your thoughts, actions and words which may have building or distractive effects to the next generation of young girls and women!