Call for Applications

Human Rights Education and Advocacy Training Program

For Afghanistan’s Women Human Rights Defenders

Apply by 10 August 2026Fall 2026 cohort • 20 places

Accountability Watch Afghanistan (AWA) is pleased to announce the launch of a human rights education program for women human rights defenders (WHRD) from Afghanistan. AWA implements this program, titled “Building Capacity and Resilience Under Repression: A Human Rights Education and Advocacy Training Program for Afghanistan’s Women Human Rights Defenders,” in collaboration with women-led human rights movements from Afghanistan.

The program aims to advance human rights knowledge, strengthen safety and digital literacy, resilience, and leadership of a new generation of women human rights defenders from Afghanistan, operating under severe repression inside Afghanistan and in displacement settings such as Pakistan.

Applications are now open for AWA’s inaugural cohort. We are seeking 20 women human rights defenders based in Afghanistan or Pakistan for our fall 2026 program. While all eligible WHRDs are encouraged to apply, preference will be given to those who began their human rights work following the fall of the Republic in 2021.

Training format

Conducted online via secure, low-bandwidth channels.
Simultaneous translation/interpretation available throughout the training.

Application deadline

Apply for this training by completing the application form by 10 August 2026.

Apply now

Program benefits

Comprehensive training

Four extensive sessions covering human rights frameworks, documentation skills, digital literacy, advocacy and leadership over a period of four months (September – December 2026).

Stipend

A total of $100 to support internet connectivity costs during the training period.

Networking opportunity

Direct connection with experts and practitioners from international contexts.

Eligibility criteria

This opportunity is open to applicants who meet the following criteria:

Be a woman human rights defender/activist.
Be based in Afghanistan or Pakistan.
Submit a referral from partner organizations and human rights movements.
Be able to participate in all four online training sessions.

Confidentiality and data protection

Your privacy and security are important to us. Please note that we treat applicants’ data with the utmost confidentiality.

Application details: All information and contact details collected are used solely for the application process and will remain strictly confidential.

Reference letters:Reference letters are required in order to verify applicants’ background. Applications submitted without a reference letter will not be considered.