Additional Information
MASTER OF ARTS IN GENDER, WOMEN AND DEVELOPMENT STUDIES
Rationale
Gender equity and equality is increasingly being recognized as central to sustainable economic growth, social development and poverty reduction in both developed and developing countries. Addressing gender inequalities is essential to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The Master of Arts in Gender, Women and Development Studies is designed to address issues of gender, women and development, educate decision-makers in the formulation of gender sensitive policies, and to apply gender knowledge and skills that are essential to all careers, such as, social work, institutional management, legal systems, government and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs. Gender knowledge is indispensable in fields of development and poverty alleviation.
(a) This programme therefore offers a wide range of carefully selected electives to meet the needs for career progression and specialization in the candidates‘ areas of interest.
There is a severe shortage of qualified personnel in the area of Gender, women and Development studies. This programme will bridge this gap and contribute to capacity building nationally and regionally.
Programme Objectives
The overall objective of the programme is to equip the student with appropriate theoretical and applied knowledge, skills and attitudes related to gender, women and development. The specific objectives of the programme are:
i) To develop a clear understanding of gender concepts and its centrality in all social analyses
ii) To enable students to enhance the capabilities of using gender analysis in the formulation and design of gender sensitive policies and programmes
iii) To equip graduates with the skills and knowledge of mainstreaming gender in their respective institutional/organizational workstations
iv) To provide training aimed at empowering the graduates to sensitise the community on gender issues through advocacy, counselling, gender theories and practices.
v) To conduct research in gender related areas
