IT for Change is pleased to announce the second edition of its National Gender Fellowship under the project, ‘Re-wiring India’s Digitalising Economy for Women’s Rights and Well-being,’ supported by the European Commission and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung.
We invite early-career scholars, researchers, and practitioners from India to submit proposals for original, in-depth research projects based on fieldwork conducted during the fellowship period. Proposed research should examine the intricate relationship between digital infrastructures, inclusion, and women’s economic and social citizenship, with a particular emphasis on considerations of intersectional justice. Read the detailed call for proposals here.
About the Fellowship:
The fellowship intends to support the development of original, in-depth research studies based on fieldwork conducted during the fellowship period, that explore the multifaceted relationship between digital economy, gender, and inclusion in India, focusing on women's experiences. We encourage qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches that investigate the nexus between digital inclusion infrastructures, economic precarity, and gendered citizenship, with a focus on intersectional justice. We aim to generate evidence-based research that can inform policies and practices promoting gender equality in the digital age.
Themes for Research:
- Gender and Social Welfare in the Digital Age
- Women, Work, and the Platform Economy
- Digital Financial Inclusion: Women Entrepreneurs and Financial Technologies
- Women in E-commerce
- Gender and Policy Landscape
- The Digital Ecosystem and Gendered Financial Inclusion
These themes are only indicative, we are open to other innovative research proposals that combine fieldwork and primary data collection with current developments in the digital economy, gender, and inclusion discourse.
Fellowship Details:
- Fellowship Duration: 1 October 2024 - 30 April 2025
- Financial Support: INR 2,26,200
- Deliverable: A 5,000-6,000 word written output
- Workshop: A mandatory 2-day training workshop in Bengaluru, India
Eligibility:
- Early-career scholars, researchers, and practitioners holding Indian citizenship.
- Applicants must be women aged between 21 and 34 years old as of October 1, 2024.
- Prior experience working on digital economy and gender issues is preferred.
- PhD candidates are eligible but must propose an original research product for the fellowship.
- Ability to conclude fieldwork and finalize written outputs within the fellowship period.
Application Process:
Submit a single PDF file to nationalgenderfellowships2024@itforchange.net by 31 August 2024, including:
1. Proposal (under 1000 words)
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Briefly describe your research question, objectives, research location, and clearly state how your research employs quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods approaches. If using an existing dataset, indicate how you plan to access it.
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Applicants are encouraged to include a concise literature review to demonstrate the research framework they intend to use.
2. Author Biography (under 500 words)
- Briefly highlight your expertise and experience related to the digital economy, gender, and inclusion, including any previous engagement with your current fieldwork area. Provide a clear statement on why you are choosing this particular fieldwork.
3. Budget Allocation (300-500 words)
- Provide a brief breakdown of how the funds will facilitate the achievement of your fieldwork goals. This should include an outline of expenses such as travel, accommodation, research materials, and personnel costs, explaining how each component contributes to the successful execution and completion of the fieldwork.
Deadline Extended to 31 August 2024.
The list of selected candidates for the National Gender Fellowship can be found here.
Updates from the ongoing Fellowship
We held a two-day learning institute from 11-12 November 2024, in Bengaluru, attended by the fellows and facilitated by key resource persons. Through lectures, discussions, and workshops, the participants had an opportunity to refine their research projects and receive vital mentorship in a critical, feminist community.
Read more about the learning institute here.