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About the fellowship

Description

Radio Farda, RFE/RL’s Persian-language service, launched the Mahsa Zhina Amini Fellowship in 2023 to honor the 22-year-old Kurdish-Iranian woman whose death in September 2022 in the custody of the Islamic Republic’s “morality police” sparked mass protests nationwide.

The Mahsa Zhina Amini Fellowship aims to support women in the pursuit of their rights and freedom of expression. The Fellowship will be awarded to three young Iranian women with a proven record of advocating for free expression, empowerment, and the equality of women in society through journalism, arts, literature, and poetry.

The Fellowship is a three-month remote program. Fellows will receive a stipend of $1,000 per month. They will work closely with Radio Farda editors to develop content on women’s rights in Iran.

Eligibility

Fellowships are awarded on a competitive basis. Fellows will be selected by a panel of Radio Farda journalists.

Eligible applicants should:  

  • Be women between the ages of 18 and 25, living outside of Iran
  • Share RFE/RL’s mission
  • Be fluent Persian language speakers
  • Have a working knowledge of English

 

How to apply

Application

Candidates should submit the following materials:

  • curriculum vitae
  • personal statement
  • two work samples

Application materials must be submitted in English. Work samples may be in Persian.

Important Dates

Applications for the Mahsa Zhina Amini Fellowship are now closed.

Fellowship term: January 1, 2025 – March 31, 2025 
Application opens: September 14, 2024 
Application deadline: November 1, 2024 
Selection results announced by: December 1, 2024

Privacy Notice for RFE/RL Fellows

Fellowship at RFE/RL is contingent upon the successful completion of a background security check performed after the acceptance of RFE/RL’s offer. More details and information about the collection and processing of your personal data will be provided to you together with the Fellowship agreement. 

Curriculum Vitae

Please attach your updated curriculum vitae. This shall include your name, e-mail address, social media profile, phone number, present address, and permanent address; a detailed work history; and educational background. Please also list any noteworthy distinctions or awards, and current or recent memberships in professional, political, or other groups. Please also state if you have received any type of certification (and at what level) of English language proficiency.

Personal Statement

Please include your reasons for applying for the Fellowship, journalistic interests, values, or experiences that would qualify you for the program, and your professional goals following completion of the Fellowship.

Work Samples

Please attach 2 work samples in your working language, on any platform, demonstrating your best professional work. Samples must have been published within the 12 months before the application deadline. All samples must include a date.

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