The Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice (Kroc IPJ) at the University of San Diego’s Kroc School of Peace Studies is pleased to announce the 2025-2026 Women PeaceMakers Fellowship. This esteemed program offers peacebuilders a unique opportunity to engage in collaborative learning, practice, and research aimed at reducing cycles of violence, with a specific emphasis on gender, peace, and conflict.
Eligibility Criteria
The Fellowship welcomes applications from individuals who:
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Identify as peacebuilders working to reduce cycles of violence through a focus on gender, peace, and conflict.
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Have a minimum of five years’ experience in peacebuilding, policy advocacy, organizing, or related fields.
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Possess sufficient English language proficiency to participate fully in Fellowship activities.
Applicants from all countries are eligible, provided they can travel to the United States for the residency component. The program is inclusive of all gender identities, including transgender, non-binary, and gender-fluid individuals.
Program Details
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Duration: September 2025 – July 2026
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Residency: A two-week in-person residency at the University of San Diego, tentatively scheduled for November 8-22, 2025. Please note that these dates are subject to change based on global health and safety considerations.
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Stipend: Fellows will receive a stipend of USD $15,000 to support their participation and research-related expenses. The Kroc IPJ will cover all costs associated with the residency period at the University of San Diego.
Application Process
Interested candidates must submit the following materials:
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Curriculum Vitae (CV)
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Essay Responses (maximum 300 words per question):
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Describe the peacebuilding or violence reduction work you have led or currently lead related to border policy. How do you consider gender in this work?
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How is your work connected to communities affected by border policies? Describe your collaboration with those most impacted.
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What do you consider your greatest achievement in building peace or reducing violence?
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Describe your research experience, including methodologies used and data collection approaches. Provide links to two of your published research works.
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How would this Fellowship benefit your ongoing work, and how can your experience contribute to the University of San Diego and the Kroc School community?
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Research Proposal (maximum 750 words):
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Provide a brief abstract.
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State your research question(s).
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Describe your methodology.
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Specify the types of data to be collected.
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Identify the study participants or community of focus.
The proposal should focus on policies and their implementation, rather than solely on service provision or humanitarian response.
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Letters of Recommendation:
- Two letters from colleagues or supervisors who can attest to your strengths in peacebuilding or violence reduction and your research skills.
All application materials must be original work. The use of generative AI tools or plagiarism will result in disqualification.
Important Dates
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Application Period: March 10 – March 30, 2025
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Residency: November 8-22, 2025 (subject to change)
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Fellowship Duration: September 2025 – July 2026
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted through the official application portal.
Conclusion
The Women PeaceMakers Fellowship is a remarkable opportunity for dedicated peacebuilders to enhance their impact on a global scale. By participating, Fellows will contribute to vital research, expand their professional networks, and gain new perspectives in peacebuilding. If you are committed to addressing the intersections of borders, gender, and violence reduction, we encourage you to apply and join a community striving for transformative change.
For detailed guidelines and the application portal, please visit the official Fellowship page:
Don’t miss this chance to be part of a dynamic program dedicated to fostering peace and justice worldwide. Start your applications today!