Rise Up Together, a global nonprofit advancing social justice and gender equity, has announced the launch of its Leadership and Advocacy Accelerator Program in South Africa. This initiative will empower visionary leaders from Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal Provinces to strengthen advocacy for gender equity and justice.
Program Overview
The Leadership and Advocacy Accelerator will take place from April 13–18, 2026 in Gauteng, South Africa. Selected leaders will participate in intensive training designed to advance transformative change in their organizations and communities. The program will equip participants to champion improved national and local laws, programs, and funding for women, girls, and gender-nonconforming people.
Who Is This Program For?
The Rise Up Together Leadership and Advocacy Accelerator in South Africa is designed for local leaders in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal Provinces who are passionate about advancing social justice and gender equity.
From the article you shared, the program specifically supports:
- Visionary leaders working in organizations and communities in South Africa.
- Individuals committed to strengthening gender equity and justice.
- Leaders who want to champion improved national and local laws, programs, and funding for women, girls, and gender-nonconforming people.
It is not a general training program. It is targeted at those already engaged in advocacy or leadership roles who are ready to expand their impact through structured training, funding opportunities, and global networking.
Key Dates
- Application Opens: November 24, 2025
- Application Closes: January 15, 2026
- Virtual Orientation: March 2026
- Program Dates: April 13–18, 2026 (in person, Gauteng – venue to be announced)
How the Program Works
- Hybrid Accelerator: A four-week program combining a six-day in-person intensive with virtual sessions, totaling 60–65 hours of training. Activities include orientation, residential training, virtual follow-up, technical assistance, and panel discussions.
- Grants: After completing the Accelerator, leaders may apply for up to $17,000 in seed funding to launch a systems-change advocacy project focused on gender equity.
- Re-grants: Participants can also apply for additional funding to expand or strengthen their initial projects.
- Support: Rise Up Together provides tailored assistance in proposal development, grantmaking, advocacy strategy, networking, and ongoing professional development.
Impact and Past Cohorts
Rise Up Together’s past cohorts have addressed diverse social justice issues intersecting with gender equity, including:
- Criminal justice reform
- Gender-based violence prevention
- Economic opportunity
- LGBTQ+ rights
- School safety
- Child marriage prevention
- Sexual and reproductive health and rights
Contact Information
For more details, contact Rise Up Together South Africa Country Representative:
Rethabile Mphutlane
Email: SouthAfricaRep@riseuptogether.org
Learn more about Rise Up Together Leadership Cohort in South Africa, including Selection Criteria and Frequently Asked Questions.
Conclusion
The Rise Up Together Leadership and Advocacy Accelerator in South Africa 2026 offers a unique opportunity for local leaders to strengthen gender equity and justice through training, funding, and global networking. With applications open from November 24, 2025 to January 15, 2026, this program will support transformative advocacy projects that drive systemic change across communities in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.