Journalists for SRHR Masterclass poster template
A new journalism fellowship aimed at strengthening reporting on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) has opened applications for media professionals across East and Southern Africa.
The Journalists for SRHR Masterclass was launched by Journalists for Human Rights (JHR) in partnership with WHO, UNAIDS, UNFPA, and UNICEF.
It offers a six-month learning and mentorship opportunity for reporters, editors, producers, and media guilds who are committed to covering SRHR issues with greater impact, accuracy, and ethical depth.
The initiative is part of the 2gether 4 SRHR Programme, a joint regional effort led by the four UN agencies with support from the Regional SRHR Team of Sweden.
The program leverages technical expertise across agencies to promote rights-based approaches to SRHR across the region, with a particular focus on applied learning at the country level.
Selected fellows will undergo a series of webinars and practical training sessions designed to deepen their understanding of SRHR, including sensitive topics such as:
- Stigma
- Access to care
- Gender-based violence
- Youth agency
- Policy accountability
The fellowship also emphasizes regional context, aiming to strengthen locally relevant, solutions-oriented journalism in participating countries.
Journalists who complete the fellowship will be eligible for story production grants and ongoing mentorship to elevate high-quality media coverage and contribute to more informed public and policy dialogue on SRHR across Eastern and Southern Africa.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be accredited and practising journalists in their country;
- Show prior experience or strong interest in covering SRHR-related issues;
- Be affiliated with a credible media outlet (or provide proof of publication support if freelance);
- Reside and report in an East or Southern African country;
- Be able to commit fully to the six-month fellowship duration;
- Have at least three years of journalism experience;
- Be proficient in English, French, or Portuguese.
The call is inclusive, with women journalists and key populations strongly encouraged to apply.
This initiative reflects growing efforts to enhance the role of the media in advancing human rights, challenging harmful stereotypes, and driving evidence-informed change in sexual and reproductive health policies and services.
If you meet the above criteria, please apply by midnight Thursday, July 31, 2025. The application form can be accessed at:Â https://lnkd.in/eeDfxSZ7
About Journalists for Human Rights (JHR)
Journalists for Human Rights (JHR) is Canada’s leading media development organization.
Since 2002, JHR has trained over 19,000 journalists in 29 countries to report ethically, effectively, and independently on human rights and governance issues.
The organization works to strengthen media ecosystems, amplify marginalized voices, and foster public accountability through quality journalism.
In Africa, JHR has supported reporting on gender equality, Indigenous rights, press freedom, health, and humanitarian crises, helping media practitioners tell impactful stories that drive change.
