Women Ascension Research & Policy Development Fellowship

Features

Key Features

Fellowship Impact

Outcomes

Competency in Research & Policy

Publications

Professional Network

Modules

Programme Modules Overview

Module 1 – Orientation & Issue Identification (Week 1)

Learn to frame policy-relevant problems. Focus on understanding policy spaces, identifying real-world gaps, and reflecting on personal positioning.

Practical output: Personal Policy Interest Reflection.

Practical output: case-based discussion on AI use and reflection on responsible applications.

Module 2 – Policy Ecosystem & Stakeholders (Week 2)

Map the actors and power structures shaping policy. Explore government bodies, civil society, the private sector, and influencers. Practical output: a Policy Actor Map (Visual).

Module 3 – Policy Cycles & Windows (Week 3)

Understand how policy moves through cycles and windows of opportunity. Learn agenda-setting and timing strategies.

Practical output: Policy Cycle Diagram (1–2 pages).

Module 4 – Research to Policy Agendas (Week 4)

Link research to policy relevance by framing problems and developing policy narratives in context.

Practical output: Issue Brief Concept Note (1–2 pages).

Module 5 – Research Design & Questions (Week 5)

Build strong research foundations with policy-oriented questions and robust justification.

Practical output: Research Question Document (1–2 pages).

Module 6 – Research Methods (Week 6)

Apply qualitative and quantitative tools including interviews, surveys, and data interpretation.

Practical output: Mini Research Exercise (2–3 pages).

Module 7 – Evidence-Based Policymaking (Week 7)

Understand and assess different types of evidence, ensuring credibility and ethical research.

Practical output: Evidence Reflection Note (1 page).

Module 8 – Policy Analysis Frameworks (Week 8)

Evaluate existing policies using structured analysis tools to identify strengths and gaps.

Practical output: Policy Analysis Matrix (2 pages).

Module 9 – Comparative Policy Review (Week 9)

Learn across contexts through cross-country comparisons and identifying best practices.

Practical output: Comparative Policy Brief (2 pages).

Module 10 – Policy Recommendations (Week 10)

Design actionable, feasible, and equitable solutions.

Practical output: Policy Recommendation Note (1–2 pages).

Module 11 – Writing Policy Briefs (Week 11)

Develop clear, structured policy communication. Learn formatting and argumentation techniques.

Practical output: Partial Policy Brief Draft.

Module 12 – Communicating with Policymakers (Week 12)

Translate research into actionable policy insights via memos and decision-maker communication.

Practical output: Policy Memo (1 page).

Module 13 – Advocacy & Policy Influence (Week 13)

Build influence strategies with advocacy tools and stakeholder engagement. Practical output: Advocacy Strategy (Slide or 1-pager).

Module 14 – Mock Policy Roundtable (Week 14)

Present policy ideas orally, receive feedback, and refine arguments.

Practical output: Draft Policy Brief (3–4 pages).

Module 15 – Monitoring & Evaluation (Week 15)

Measure policy impact using frameworks, indicators, and accountability methods.

Practical output: Policy Monitoring Framework (Table).

Module 16 – Fellowship Showcase & Policy Pitch (Week 16)

Demonstrate your research, policy knowledge, and career readiness to a global audience.

Practical output: Final Policy Brief + Policy Pitch.