Rise Up Together has launched a call for applications for its 2026 Leadership and Advocacy Accelerator, inviting civil society leaders from selected counties in Kenya to participate in a programme aimed at advancing gender equity and educational opportunities.

The global nonprofit announced that 25 local leaders will be selected to join the accelerator, which will take place from 2–7 November 2026. The initiative will focus on strengthening advocacy and leadership skills among individuals working to improve educational outcomes for women, girls, and gender-nonconforming people.

Programme Targets Gender Equity in Education

According to Rise Up Together, the 2026 Kenya cohort will place a special emphasis on addressing gender disparities in education and supporting community-driven solutions that promote equitable access to learning opportunities.

The programme seeks to empower leaders with the knowledge, tools, and networks needed to advocate for policy reforms and community-based initiatives that improve education systems and outcomes.

Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years old by the time of the training and be based in one of the following counties:

Kajiado County
Narok County
Machakos County
Makueni County
Kiambu County
Nairobi

Building on a Global Track Record

The accelerator forms part of Rise Up Together’s broader mission to strengthen local leadership and advance social justice through advocacy.

The organisation reported that its global network includes more than 1,080 leaders who have successfully advocated for over 246 new or improved laws, policies, and programmes. These efforts have positively impacted more than 251 million people worldwide as of 2025.

Successful applicants in Kenya will become part of this growing international network of advocates and changemakers working to address systemic barriers affecting women, girls, and marginalized communities.

Hybrid Learning Model Combines Training and Support

The 2026 Leadership and Advocacy Accelerator will use a hybrid model that combines virtual and in-person learning experiences.

Participants will benefit from:

Intensive leadership development training
Advocacy and policy engagement skills building
Capacity strengthening workshops
Ongoing technical support and mentorship
Opportunities to collaborate with fellow leaders

The programme is designed to help participants develop effective advocacy strategies capable of influencing education policies and programmes at local and national levels.

Opportunity for Seed Funding

Following completion of the accelerator, participants will have the opportunity to apply for competitive seed funding to support advocacy initiatives focused on advancing gender equity in education across Kenya.

The funding mechanism is intended to help local leaders transform ideas into action by implementing advocacy campaigns, community engagement initiatives, and policy-focused interventions.

Rise Up Together noted that funding support will be accompanied by technical guidance to strengthen project implementation and long-term impact.

Key Dates for Applicants

Prospective applicants should take note of the following timeline:

Application deadline: 19 July 2026
Leadership and Advocacy Accelerator: 2–7 November 2026

Applications are currently open, and interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline.

Rise Up Together Marks New Chapter as Independent Nonprofit

The call for applications comes shortly after a major organisational milestone for Rise Up Together.

After operating for 16 years as a fiscally sponsored project of the Public Health Institute, the organisation recently became an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

The transition reflects the organisation’s continued growth and commitment to advancing gender justice through local leadership, advocacy, and community-driven change.

Focus on Local Leadership and Sustainable Change

The Kenya accelerator underscores the importance of investing in grassroots leadership as a pathway to achieving long-term improvements in education and gender equity.

By equipping local leaders with advocacy skills, funding opportunities, and access to a global network, the programme aims to strengthen efforts to address barriers that prevent women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals from fully participating in educational and social development opportunities.

As applications open for the 2026 cohort, the initiative presents an opportunity for Kenyan civil society leaders to contribute to shaping more inclusive and equitable education systems while driving broader social change within their communities.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.