Approval Date: 7/8/2015

Key Objectives:

Through the creation of a modern and interactive hub for the interrogation of issues of women and gender, the Institute will build up an international reputation of excellence in teaching, research and social action thereby contributing to the enhancement and sustainability of the globally endorsed rights of women. Specifically, the Institute will:

1. Introduce a cross-faculty introductory, foundation course in Gender Studies for first year students;
2. Introduce online undergraduate and postgraduate teaching programs for faculty, students and other stakeholders. (Masters, Doctoral studies);
3. Strongly encourage and support faculty and students to undertake interdisciplinary research linked to the research agenda. Together with partners fundraise for the conduct of research and scholarship;
4. Take the lead in the annual review of the UG sexual harassment policy, compliance and related penalties guiding the policy;
5. Contribute towards the delivery of community outreach/extramural programs in communities, civil society groups, NGOs and governmental agencies;
6. Lobby government and non-government partners (W&GEC and others) to provide an annual Academic Scholarship to support one female UG student in the fields of Technology and Sciences; or other non traditional field of study;
7. Encourage government and non-government partners (W&GEC and others) to provide an annual Research scholarship to support one UG student to undertake research on a topic related to women and gender studies; and
8. Utilize the expertise of the University (Centre for Communications), and with partners promote advocacy messages to foster critical thinking and actions on women, gender and human rights.

This institute leads UG support work in Gender for several government agencies in gender sensitivity training, community and interpersonal pacification projects. The institute also delivers several programmes in gender and development at the University as well as in communities.