ATHENA Network is pleased to announce a call for applications for our #WhatGirlsWant Program
Country Focal Points from Uganda, and Lesotho.
ATHENA Network is a feminist organization working at the intersection of HIV, sexual and reproductive
health and rights, gender-based violence, and gender equality. We are also dedicated to promoting
gender equality, social justice, and empowerment of adolescent girls and young women. We believe in
creating safe and inclusive spaces for AGYW to thrive, develop their potential, and actively shape
research, programs, and policies that affect their lives and communities.
About #WhatGirlsWant Program
Launched by ATHENA Network in 2019, #WhatGirlsWant is powered by young women in all their
diversity who seek to lead the change for women/girls' rights and move the needle on gender equality.
The program engages an expansive network of [primarily] young women-led organisations and
individuals (AGYW) working to advance gender equality, mobilize for AGYW rights and health (especially
SRHR), and engage meaningfully across key advocacy spaces – locally, regionally, and globally.
#WhatGirlsWant Country Focal Points drive the program in their respective countries, creating space for
agenda setting on gender equality, fostering peer and inter-generational dialogues, setting the agenda
for young feminist organizing on the ground, and championing AGYW rights and priorities in HIV, SRHR
and Gender Equality policymaking, research, programming, and funding streams. They build the
momentum and traction and sustain a movement for action, information sharing, and an intersectional
feminist agenda that recognizes the leadership, insights, and perspectives of girls and young women.
Eligibility
We welcome applications from young (self-identifying) women and non-binary individuals between 18-
30 years old who:
– Currently live in Uganda and Lesotho;
– Are strongly committed to feminist principles and values, including standing up for gender equality,
dismantling patriarchal structures, and challenging gender-based discrimination and violence;
– Demonstrate a passion for and/or interest in advocacy on HIV, SRHR, Gender-based Violence, and
Gender Equality at the national, regional, and/or global level. (While applicants with extensive
advocacy experience are equally welcome, we are keen to receive applications from young people
who are knowledgeable about HIV, SRHR, GBV, and gender equality and are interested in
strengthening their advocacy skills.);
– Are active and meaningfully engaged in coalitions on advancing SRHR, HIV/AIDS and broader
campaigns to advance Gender equality including but not limited to HERVoice Fund, Global Fund
Country Coordinating Mechanisms, engagement in national gender sector and technical working
groups and other collective efforts
– Possess strong communication, advocacy, coordination and mobilization skills;
– Are able to work both independently and collaboratively within a virtual team, respecting diverse
perspectives and fostering a supportive and inclusive culture;
– Demonstrate experience or interest in leading community engagements and mobilizing AGYW
around issues affecting them and their communities and
– Possess a high sense of responsibility, professionalism, and personal leadership with the ability to
meet agreed deadlines, demonstrate integrity, and respect confidentiality.
Responsibilities
Selected Country Focal Points will commit to:
– Advancing the mission/vision of ATHENA Network and the #WhatGirlsWant Program;
– Available to serve as a Focal Point for an initial period of 6 months (November 1st 2024 – April 31st
2025), with a likelihood of renewal subject to performance and funding availability. The expected
time commitment is 5 hours per week;
– Co-designing/leading online and offline community engagement activities and engaging in
national/regional/global advocacy spaces (as opportunities arise), with relevant travel support,
accompaniment, small activity grants and quarterly stipends provided by ATHENA Network; and
– Reporting bi-weekly to ATHENA’s program team on agreed deliverables and ancillary engagements
as a Country Focal Point.
Application Process
To apply for the #WhatGirlsWant Country Focal Point position, please email the following as a single
PDF document to comms.athena@gmail.com by 11.59 EAT on Friday, 11th October 2024:
● A motivation statement expressing your interest and describing how you meet the above
eligibility criteria (maximum – 1 page)
● A detailed resume or curriculum vitae (CV) outlining your academic/work experience and
relevant skills (maximum – 2 pages)
● Contact information for two references who can speak to your qualifications and commitment
to feminist principles and values.
Thank you for your interest in joining our #WhatGirlsWant Program. We look forward to receiving your
application and working together to create a more equitable and inclusive society.