2020 Sister-to-Sister Mentorship Program: Call For Nominations

Deadline: April 24th, 2020.

The Nobel Women’s Initiative is seeking nominations for the Sister-to-Sister
Mentorship Program—geared towards feminist peace activists who would benefit from advocacy training and hands-on skill-building within an international setting. The Nobel Women’s Initiative, in partnership with Coady International Institute, will welcome six young women peace activists to take part in a six-week residency in the program, from mid-October to the end of November 2020, taking place in Ottawa, Canada. Applications will be accepted from nominating organizations operating in conflict or post-conflict countries in the Global South, with a preference given to the following countries/regions: The Middle East, South Sudan, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cameroon, Great Lakes Region/East Africa, Liberia, Nigeria, Myanmar/Burma, Colombia, Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico. Additionally, nominations are being accepted from First Nations, Métis and Inuit organizations for the participation of a young Indigenous woman leader working on social justice issues.

Program Description

The mentorship program will commence with a six-week residency period at the Nobel Women’s Initiative office in Ottawa, Canada (October 19-November 27). One week during this period will be spent at Coady Institute in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Participants will work closely with the Nobel Women’s Initiative team, Coady Institute and outside facilitators to build advocacy and communications skills, as well as to meet with experts working in related areas. While in Ottawa, the young activists will be members of the Nobel Women’s Initiative team, supporting country-
specific advocacy programs. Upon returning home, participants will continue to receive support from the Nobel Women’s Initiative team and/or Coady Institute for the period of December 2020- April 2021. Within the first weeks upon arrival home, mentorship participants will be expected to actively share with colleagues, new ideas gained during the residency.

The Nobel Women’s Initiative with support from the Coady Institute will cover the costs of travel, accommodation, visas, and per diem (a daily living allowance) during the residency program for the participants.

Core Objectives

The mentorship program is meant to support young feminist peace activists in their local and international advocacy and media work. The residency program will strengthen key skills including organizing for political change, developing comprehensive advocacy strategies, messaging and writing materials for different audiences, presentation, and public speaking, fundraising, networking as well as engaging with policymakers and traditional and new media. The program will be an opportunity for young women activists to broaden their knowledge base on women’s rights and gender-based violence in Canada and around the world, and strategies being used in other countries for raising public awareness and campaigning for policy changes.
The mentorship program participants will gain relevant hands-on international advocacy experience, and they will be provided with the opportunity to become more effective activists and communicators in their communities and home countries. It will be an opportunity for young women to become part of international information, support, and action network.

Specifications

Candidate Eligibility

• Be between the ages of 21 and 30;
• Be able to read, write and discuss in English;
• Be nominated by an organization1 and commit to working with this
  organization for at least one year;
• Be available to fully participate in the residency program including in the weeks leading up to the program for visa application and program
  orientation requirements.
• Be willing and available to travel to Ottawa, Canada for a six-week placement at the Nobel Women’s Initiative offices (other Canadian travel will also be organized within this time period).

1 If you are not a part of a formal organization but is working with a movement or start-up the organization, we encourage you to contact us with the details of your work so we can assess if you
qualify to apply

Candidate Selection Criteria

• Record of leadership within the community and work with civil society;
• Demonstrated knowledge and interest in women’s rights, human rights, and gender-based violence;
• Strong English comprehension;
• Strong ties to the nominating organization;
• Superior character, demonstrated teamwork ability, interest in working with and learning from others from different backgrounds and cultures;
• High level of maturity, energy, and courage to withstand pressures of travel.

How to apply?

• All candidates must complete the application form, including attachments (resume and person statements).
  Click here to access the form. The form is also available by typing in the following web address: https://airtable.com/shrcLEW6niMLSZOI8
• Nominating organizations must submit a nomination letter and complete the nominating organization form.
  Click here to access the form. The form is also available by typing in the following web address: https://airtable.com/shr7EjInvmq0HB96N
• Incomplete or late packages may not be considered for review.
• All candidates must have a working and reliable email address to facilitate correspondence with the Nobel Women’s Initiative.
• Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed via Zoom (an online conference calling platform) or by telephone. Selected candidates will be notified by email to arrange the date and time of the interview.
• The selection committee will be comprised of members of the Nobel
  Women’s Initiative, in consultation with the Coady International Institute.
• Nominating organizations may also be contacted during the selection process.
• Feedback during the selection process is not provided.
• Selected candidates must accept the offer of the mentorship program, in writing by email and return requested documentation to the Nobel Women’s Initiative by the deadline outlined in the offer to facilitate travel arrangements. Late returns or non-responses may be considered a forfeit of participation.

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