Lead the Future of
African Feminism
Join RFLD's International-Continental Scholars Program.
Gain frontline experience in Policy Advocacy, Climate Justice, SRHR, and Economic Justice across 55 African nations.
RFLD Covers
Full Accommodation & Monthly Food Allowance.
Scholar Covers
Flights, Visa Fees & Personal Expenses.
A Pan-African Force for
Gender Equality
The Network of Women Leaders for Development (RFLD) is a feminist organization dedicated to building an inclusive Africa through evidence-based research and action. We work to eradicate harmful practices, defend civic space, and ensure women's participation in decision-making spheres.
"This internship is not just a job; it's a leadership accelerator. You will work directly on continental advocacy, donor reporting, and strategic partnerships rooted in rigorous data analysis."
Our 4 Offices
Accra, Ghana
Advocacy across Africa, donor-funded projects & regional policy.
Porto-Novo, Benin
Strategic heart. Francophone coordination & grants management.
Dakar, Senegal
Sahel coordination & Francophone West Africa operations.
Banjul, The Gambia
ACHPR engagement & Anglophone advocacy support.
Your Internship Journey
Orientation & Immersion
Weeks 1-2
Deep dive into RFLD's history, methodology, and regional context. Cultural orientation for international interns and introduction to the team.
Deployment & Action
Weeks 3-20
Full integration into your department. You will manage specific project deliverables, attend high-level partner meetings, and perhaps travel for field missions.
Capstone & Legacy
Final Month
Consolidate your learning into a final report or presentation. Networking exit sessions and transition into the Alumni Network.
Thematic Impact Areas
Interns don't just file papers. You will drive real change across these 4 strategic pillars.
Climate Justice & Resilience
Leading the charge on feminist climate action across 55 nations. You will work on advocacy briefs for COP summits, support rural women in agriculture, and develop strategies for disaster resilience.
- COP Summit Advocacy
- Sustainable Agriculture Support
- Climate Policy Frameworks
SRHR, Maternal Health & Safe Abortion
Unapologetic advocacy for bodily autonomy. We fight to reduce maternal mortality rates and ensure universal access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services, including safe abortion.
- Safe Abortion Advocacy
- Maternal Mortality Reduction
- Comprehensive Sexuality Education
Civic Space & WHRD Protection
Defending the defenders. You will assist in our rapid response mechanisms for Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) facing threats, manage digital security training, and monitor violations.
- WHRD Rapid Response
- Digital Security Training
- Legal Defense Funds
Ending GBV & Sexual Harassment
A zero-tolerance approach. Work on continental campaigns to eradicate Gender-Based Violence and Sexual Harassment in workplaces and educational institutions across Africa.
- Workplace Harassment Policy
- Survivor Legal Support
- GBV Prevention Campaigns
Ending FGM
Eliminating Female Genital Mutilation through community dialogue and legal enforcement. We work with traditional leaders and survivors to end this harmful practice permanently.
- Community Dialogue
- Cross-Border Enforcement
- Survivor Rehabilitation
Ending Child Marriage
Keeping girls in school and out of marriage. We advocate for the enforcement of legal age limits and provide scholarships to at-risk girls in rural communities.
- Legal Advocacy
- Education Retention
- Community Sensitization
Women's Economic Justice
Breaking barriers to financial independence. We focus on land rights, closing the gender pay gap, and supporting women in informal trade sectors.
- Land Rights Advocacy
- Financial Inclusion
- Macroeconomic Policy
Peace & Security (WPS)
Implementing UN Resolution 1325. We ensure women are at the negotiation table during conflict resolution and peacebuilding processes across the continent.
- Conflict Resolution
- Transitional Justice
- Peacekeeping Training
Master the Tools of Change
Theory is not enough. You will leave RFLD with a toolkit of hard skills that international recruiters demand.
Grant Management
Learn to draft winning proposals (EU, UN), manage budgets, and write compliance reports.
Diplomatic Protocol
Master the art of engaging with government ministries, UN officials, and traditional leaders.
Digital Advocacy
Run pan-African campaigns. Analyze metrics, manage CRMs, and drive online mobilization.
Feminist Research
Conduct qualitative and quantitative research. Produce policy briefs, shadow reports, and data-driven tools.
Beyond the Desk
We invest in you. The RFLD internship is designed to be a career-defining experience that opens doors in the international development sector.
Executive Mentorship
1-on-1 sessions with RFLD Directors.
Global Network
Access to contacts at UN, AU, and ECOWAS.
Certification
Official accreditation upon completion.
Career Launchpad
CV clinics and priority for future hiring.
Our Strategic Partners & Supporters
Who We Are Looking For
Passion & Drive
A demonstrated commitment to gender equality and social justice in Africa. We want changemakers, not just workers.
Adaptability
Ability to work in fast-paced, multi-cultural environments. You are ready to learn, unlearn, and relearn.
Communication
Strong writing and reporting skills in English or French are essential for advocacy and grant reporting.
2025/2026 Application Cycles
We operate on two distinct batches annually. Planning ahead is key.
Fall/Winter Intake
Spring/Summer Intake
Voices of Change
"Working at the Porto Novo headquarters allowed me to understand the complexities of grant management and francophone advocacy. I helped draft reports for the Black Feminist Fund that directly secured funding for rural women."
"The focus on Civic Space is real. In Accra, I was part of a team monitoring threats against women journalists. This program doesn't coddle you; it prepares you for international development work."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a paid internship?
RFLD supports scholars with two key benefits: We provide free accommodation and a modest monthly allowance to cover food expenses. Interns are responsible for their own flights, visa fees, and personal incidentals.
Do you provide visa support?
Yes. Upon acceptance, we provide official invitation letters and registration documents to facilitate your visa application process for Ghana or Benin.
Can I apply if I don't speak French?
Yes! Our Accra (Ghana) office is the Anglophone hub, and English is the primary language. French is required only for the Porto Novo (Benin) office.
Is it safe?
Yes. RFLD prioritizes safety. Our provided housing is in secure, residential neighborhoods, and we provide a comprehensive safety orientation upon arrival.
Start Your Application
Send your application to PROGRAMS@RFLGD.ORG
1 The 4 Mandatory Attachments
-
CV/Resume
Max 2 pages. Highlight relevant NGO experience.
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Cover Letter
Max 1 page. Show your passion.
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Passport Scan
Bio-data page for visa processing.
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2 References
Must be on official letterhead.
2 The 12 Essay Questions
Submit these answers in a single PDF document.