Women of the South Speak Out (WOSSO) is a feminist leadership fellowship implemented by Gender Links. The fellowship supports young women to build their leadership, contribute to advocacy and engage in spaces that influence gender equality outcomes. WOSSO is grounded in the belief that young feminist voices are critical to shaping policy, shifting narratives and strengthening movements for gender justice.
WOSSO places fellows within dynamic organisations where they contribute to ongoing programmes while developing their own advocacy priorities. Through the fellowship, participants engage in policy and advocacy processes, contribute to research and communications, support movement-building and gain practical experience within established organisations. The fellowship combines practical work with mentorship, reflection and exposure to spaces where decisions are made.
WOSSO takes a practical, movement-oriented approach to leadership development. The fellowship builds leadership through experience, strengthens advocacy skills through real-world engagement, connects young feminists to organisations and policy spaces and supports collective approaches to advancing gender justice. By embedding fellows within organisations and linking them to broader advocacy processes, WOSSO contributes to both individual growth and movement strengthening.
WOSSO began as a multi-regional fellowship supporting feminist leaders across Africa, the Middle East and North Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean and Asia-Pacific. Over time, the fellowship supported a growing network of women who contributed to advocacy, research, communications and movement-building across diverse contexts. As the programme evolved, WOSSO adapted to new opportunities and realities while maintaining its core focus on leadership, voice and influence. Today, the fellowship continues through its current South Africa phase under RWVL and the Marang Fund, building on this foundation to deepen impact and strengthen feminist leadership. This phase reflects a continued investment in building strong, locally grounded leadership while maintaining WOSSO’s wider commitment to advancing gender equality and amplifying women’s voices.
