The Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI) invites applications for its 2026 Early Career Research Fellowships, designed to strengthen leadership, research capacity and locally generated evidence on the intersections of violence against women (VAW) and violence against children (VAC). This fellowship supports doctoral and postdoctoral researchers based in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) who are committed to advancing feminist, equity-driven research grounded in the realities and priorities of their communities. In 2026, SVRI will award four fellowships, including two doctoral and two postdoctoral awards, to promote rigorous, impactful and locally led scholarship in this critical field. Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI) Background Violence against women and violence against children often share root causes, co-occur within households and generate compounded long-term consequences for individuals, families and communities. Despite these intersections, the global evidence base remains limited, especially in LMICs where the burden of both forms of violence is high. Research to date has largely focused on links between intimate partner violence and child maltreatment, with fewer studies examining broader forms of VAW and VAC, male-perpetrated violence against children or female-perpetrated IPV. Methodological inconsistencies, limited gender and power analysis and a shortage of longitudinal work have further constrained understanding. Recent systematic reviews have identified intervention models that show promise across both VAW and VAC, yet most programmes still address these issues separately. SVRI’s fellowship programme responds to these gaps by supporting researchers to build contextually grounded knowledge that can inform integrated, evidence-based approaches. About the Fellowship The SVRI fellowship programme is motivated by the recognition that research on VAW and VAC in LMICs is often externally led, shaping agendas that may not reflect local priorities. Locally led research, by contrast, is more sustainable, relevant and responsive. Through these fellowships, SVRI invests directly in LMIC researchers who are advancing knowledge, influencing practice and driving change in their regions. Fellows receive financial support, mentorship and opportunities to join global networks focused on gender equality, violence prevention and evidence-informed policymaking. Fellowship Objectives Strengthen the global evidence base on the intersections of violence against women and violence against children Build research and leadership capacity among early career researchers in LMICs Support the publication and dissemination of locally produced knowledge Foster regional and global networks of feminist and equity-focused researchers Available Fellowship Awards Doctoral Fellowships: 2 awards, each valued up to USD 17,000, with a duration of up to 2 years Postdoctoral Fellowships: 2 awards, each valued up to USD 20,500, with a duration of up to 2 years Eligibility Criteria Applicants must meet all of the following requirements: Be a national of a low- or middle-income country Be enrolled full-time at an accredited, in-person academic institution located in an LMIC Be conducting PhD dissertation research or postdoctoral research focused specifically on intersections of VAW and VAC For doctoral applicants, have a defended or institutionally approved dissertation proposal Preference will be given to applicants who: Are from underrepresented regions or population groups Demonstrate long-term commitment to advancing the rights and wellbeing of women, girls and children Application Process Applications must be submitted through Proposal Central. First-time users must register on the platform before beginning the application. The process includes the following steps: Complete the online application form, which includes: Career Objectives (6000 characters) Community Impact Statement (3000 characters) Research Proposal following the SVRI template Upload all required documents: Official letter from the academic institution verifying enrolment status and nationality Academic transcripts from the past two years Two reference letters, including one from the applicant’s academic advisor Participate in a panel interview if shortlisted Accepted Application Languages English French Spanish Application Deadline All applications must be submitted no later than 31 January 2026 at 11:50pm South African Time. Late submissions or applications sent via email or other platforms will not be considered. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit early to avoid delays caused by high website traffic or internet issues. Contact Information For inquiries or support, applicants may contact svri@svri.org using the subject line Fellowships or LEARN MORE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the awarding organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications 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.