Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment

This course is designed to provide students with a deep and actionable understanding of gender equality and women’s empowerment through an interdisciplinary and intersectional approach. It moves beyond theory to focus on real-world application, advocacy, and change-making.

•  Core focus areas include:

• Foundational concepts in gender studies and feminism.
• Critical analysis of inequality across social, economic, and political systems.
• Intersectional perspectives that examine how gender interacts with race, class, sexuality, and disability.
• Practical skill-building in advocacy, communication, and project design.

•  You will:

• Explore historical and contemporary movements for gender justice.
• Analyze policies, media, and cultural norms that shape gender dynamics.
• Develop a final advocacy project that addresses a real gender-based challenge.
   

This elective is open to all undergraduate students and is especially valuable for those interested in social sciences, humanities, education, policy, law, development, or community leadership.

•  Ideal for students who:

• Are curious about gender issues, equity, or social justice.
• Plan to work in NGOs, education, public service, media, or international development.
• Seek to develop analytical, ethical, and advocacy skills applicable across careers.
• Want to become more informed and engaged global citizens.

No prior background is required. The course is structured as an introductory module and welcomes students from all academic disciplines.

•  You will:

• Start with foundational concepts and build knowledge progressively.
• Receive guided support through readings, lectures, and discussions.
• Engage in reflective activities that connect theory to personal and social contexts.

•  All key terms, theories, and frameworks will be introduced and explained in an accessible manner.

The syllabus is organized into nine thematic units, each combining theory, case studies, and applied learning.

•  Unit breakdown:

• Unit 1: Foundations of Gender Studies – sex vs. gender, feminism waves, patriarchy.
• Unit 2: Gender and the Economy – pay gap, unpaid labor, occupational segregation.
• Unit 3: Gender, Power, and Politics – representation, leadership, quotas.
• Unit 4: Gender and Education – access, bias, STEM gaps, inclusive pedagogy.
• Unit 5: Women’s Health and Bodily Autonomy – reproductive rights, GBV, healthcare.
• Unit 6: Intersectionality – overlapping identities, privilege, inclusive feminism.
• Unit 7: Media, Culture, and Representation – stereotypes, the male gaze, digital activism.
• Unit 8: Engaging Men and Masculinities – allyship, healthy masculinity, care roles.
• Unit 9: Advocacy and Empowerment in Action – project design, campaigning, impact assessment.

The course emphasizes active, participatory, and reflective learning to engage students deeply with the content.

•  Learning formats include:

• Interactive lectures with multimedia support.
• Small and large group discussions and structured debates.
• Case studies from global and local contexts.
• Role-plays, simulations, and advocacy scenarios.
• Media analysis of films, advertisements, and news.
• Guest speakers from activism, policy, and NGO sectors.
• Reflective writing and portfolio development.
• Collaborative group projects with peer feedback.

The final project is a core component of the course, allowing students to apply their learning to a real or simulated gender justice initiative.

•  Project requirements:

• Work in small groups to design a practical intervention (e.g., campaign, workshop, policy brief).
• Identify a target audience and clear objectives.
• Develop a project plan, timeline, and evaluation strategy.
• Present the proposal to the class and submit a written portfolio.

•  Examples of past projects:

• A school-based program to challenge gender stereotypes in career choices.
• A digital awareness campaign on menstrual health equity.
• A community workshop on preventing gender-based violence.
• A policy proposal for improving parental leave policies.

Assessment is continuous, varied, and aligned with the course’s practical and reflective aims.

•  Assessment components:

• Participation & Engagement (15%) – active involvement in class discussions, activities, and online forums.
• Weekly Reflections & Quizzes (20%) – short written responses, concept checks, and reaction papers.
• Unit Assignments (30%) – three applied tasks such as:
• A policy review on women’s health access.
• A media analysis of gender representation in advertising.
• A workshop design on positive masculinity.
• Final Advocacy Project (35%) – includes project proposal, presentation, and reflective portfolio.

All required materials are provided digitally, with no mandatory textbook purchases.

•  Core resources include:

• Selected chapters from foundational texts (e.g., hooks, Crenshaw, Beauvoir).
• Reports from UN Women, WHO, UNESCO, and Amnesty International.
• Documentaries and films such as Miss Representation and Period. End of Sentence.
• Academic articles, case studies, and policy briefs.
• TED Talks, podcasts, and digital media content.
• All materials are accessible via the university’s online learning platform.

No. This course does not have a traditional final exam. Instead, learning is assessed through ongoing participation, assignments, and the final advocacy project, which serves as a capstone demonstration of your skills and knowledge.

You will build both academic competencies and professional skills transferable to various fields.

•  Key skills include:

• Critical and intersectional thinking.
• Gender-sensitive research and analysis.
• Ethical advocacy and persuasive communication.
• Project planning, teamwork, and leadership.
• Reflective practice and self-awareness.
• Digital and media literacy.

The knowledge and skills gained are highly relevant in today’s globalized and socially conscious job market.

•  Career pathways enhanced by this course:

• Gender and development specialist in NGOs or international agencies.
• Policy analyst or advisor in government or think tanks.
• Educator, trainer, or curriculum developer.
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) officer in corporate or public sectors.
• Journalist, communicator, or content creator focused on social issues.
• Community organizer, activist, or social entrepreneur.

Currently, the course is delivered in-person with supplementary digital resources. Some sessions may be offered in hybrid or fully online format depending on university policies and student needs. Please check the current semester schedule for details.

Yes. Successful completion of the course awards 3 academic credits toward your degree program. Your grade will appear on your official university transcript. A separate certificate of completion is not automatically issued unless specified by the department or as part of a micro-credential initiative.

You are encouraged to begin exploring gender-related topics to enrich your learning experience.

•  Suggestions for preparation:

• Follow gender news from sources like UN Women, The Guardian’s Gender section, or local advocacy groups.
• Listen to podcasts such as The Feminist Present or Code Switch.
• Reflect on your own experiences and perspectives related to gender norms and equity.
• Review the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 5 (Gender Equality).