Call for applications | Rethinking Activism in Africa essay collections

Project announcement and call for applications

Social and economic inequality is one of the greatest challenges confronting human rights and sustainable development in Africa. To try and overcome this, civil society has been at the forefront of campaigns, programmes and innovations aimed at advancing equality. Much has been achieved. But there is growing evidence that progress in narrowing inequality has stalled. In addition, in many countries “civic space” is closing. With what Cameroonian historian Achille Mbembe calls “a change of age” underway, it is time to reassess these strategies, to ask questions about power, people and what it will require for civil society to reignite sustainable progress towards equality in Africa.

In an exciting collaboration that aims to unearth new ideas and solutions the Atlantic Fellows for Social and Economic Equity (AFSEE) programme and the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance invite AFSEE Fellows and Global Atlantic Fellows  from Africa to apply to be a member of the Rethinking Activism in Africa project, which will culminate in the publication of a book of essays by successful applicants in late 2025.

Eligibility

Applications are invited from:

• Current and Senior AFSEE Fellows
• Global Atlantic Fellows from any of the other Atlantic Fellows programmes.

Please note, given the focus of the project, this opportunity is only open to Global  Atlantic Fellows who are living and/or working in Africa.

Application process:

Applications will open on Monday, 27 January 2025.  As part of the application process, we request a 500 words (max.) abstract of your essay proposal. We are looking for reflections based on personal experience, research and stories that:

• Look forward, whilst looking back, to highlight the innovative power that civil society can bring to meeting the new challenges.
• Critique/discuss the catalytic role of individual leadership, the trials it presents and critical skills, thinking and Emotional Intelligence (EQ) that are needed to navigate the age of change.
• Offer case studies in working effectively with government to advance equality and human rights.
• Reflect on what is required to build the soft power of civil society and sustain reforms and victories that advance equality.
• Reflect on how arts, culture, science and research can converge to inform, educate and persuade in ways that have social justice as their objective. 

When evaluating applications, we will look for original stories and submissions that will engage a wide and diverse readership, evoke empathy and understanding. We are looking for stories that will persuade, inspire, and contribute to building people’s power. Alongside traditional essays (3000 – 5000 words), we will also accept poems, photo essays and art that are capable of reproduction in a book. 

 In your abstract, please indicate:

• Your motivation for taking part in this project
• The topic or focus of your proposed submission/story
• The medium you plan to submit your final output – e.g., traditional essay, poem, photo essay, etc. If you plan on working on a photo essay, please use the abstract to explain your creative concept and/or to include a vision board.
  Please note, successful applicants who select this format will be asked to eventually present/submit a set of at least 10 photos (high resolution) and to include up to 2500 words of text to accompany and provide context for the photos.
• If you plan on working on a poem, please use the abstract to explain the inspiration of the poem and its proposed theme.

 Applicants will also be asked to submit a copy of their CV alongside their abstract.

Applications should be made online here: https://forms.gle/fEjpPb9ejFnADgzX9

The deadline for submissions is no later than 23:59 (SAST) on Sunday, 16 February 2025. 

Please note, late applications will not be accepted.

The 14 successful applicants will be: 

• Part of a project to develop a book of essays for publication in late 2025.
• Receive editorial support and mentorship in preparation of their essays.
• Required to attend a 3 day in-person writing retreat in South Africa in May/June 2025
• Receive an honorarium of £500.
• Flights, accommodation, and meals will be covered for the writing retreat.  The cost of participants visa will also be covered and a letter supporting the visa application will be provided to all participants.

Successful applicants must be able to allocate the time required for the writing of an essay, commit to engage in a timely manner with the interaction and feedback with editors, and will be required to participate in-person at the retreat.

Applicants can expect to hear from the selection committee by 28 February 2025.