Mentorship
Program
Call for Expression
of Interest – human rights defenders mentorship program
The Roots of Resistance “Connecting
Generations of Human Rights Defenders”
In Celebration of the 20th
Anniversary of DefendDefenders
After
20 years of DefendDefenders, this is a moment not only for reflection but for
action. As we honour two decades of resilience, solidarity, and advocacy, we
look ahead with purpose: What can human rights defenders across generations
learn from one another? To celebrate our 20th anniversary, DefendDefenders and
AfricanDefenders are proud to launch The Roots of Resistance, a Mentorship
Program for Young African Human Rights Defenders. This special initiative is
designed to empower and connect emerging human rights defenders (HRDs) aged
18–30 through intergenerational mentorship, skills-building, and movement
solidarity.
About the Program
Since 2005, DefendDefenders has worked to
strengthen the capacity, visibility, and impact of HRDs across the East and
Horn of Africa, and beyond. As we mark two decades of human rights work, we
are investing in the next generation supporting young defenders to carry the
torch forward. Through this program, participants will be paired with
experienced human rights leaders from across Africa for a structured period of
learning, reflection, and collaboration. The program will include:
·
Virtual and in-person mentorship sessions
·
Training and capacity-building opportunities
· Platforms
for advocacy, visibility, and networking
Who Should Apply?
We invite young African human
rights defenders who are:
- Aged
between 18 and 30
- Actively
engaged in human rights work in any field (e.g., freedom of expression,
gender equality, environmental justice, diversity and equality rights,
digital rights, civic space, etc.)
- Based
in Africa, or working primarily on African human rights issues
- Committed
to learning, growth, and contributing to a pan-African community of
practice
What the Program Offers:
- Mentorship
from experienced African HRDs
- Access
to expert-led sessions
- A
chance to be part of DefendDefenders’ 20th anniversary initiatives
- Lasting
networks of solidarity and support
How to Express Interest:
To apply, please submit the
following by 15 July 2025
- A
short Expression of Interest (max 1 page) outlining your human rights work
and motivation to join the programme
- A
current CV or bio (max 2 pages)
- Contact
information (name, age, country, language, email, phone)
Submissions should be sent to [email protected] with [email protected] in
the CC with the subject line: “EOI – Mentorship Programme 2025”
Deadline: 10 August 2025
Join us as we mark 20 years of defending human rights — and help shape the next 20.