Do We Need More Gender Studies Graduates?

Gender studies trains students to think openly, critically and expand their worldview in terms of gender equality, feminism, LGBTQ rights and everything in between. You will develop transferable skills in gender analysis, the ideology of gender equality and social justice that you can apply to several other professions and facets of life in the real world. 

Students are able to establish how gender and sexuality form lenses through which we analyze everyday realities and experiences, and apply feminist and queer lenses to the lived realities of marginalised communities. Gender studies courses teach students to be more empathic, and show understanding and acceptance towards other people and their ideas. Students are able to take part in debates and discussions that challenge their intellectual curiosity, and ultimately help them formulate and express their own ideas essential for innovation and progress of a society or community as a whole. 

Gender studies is about so much more than just women’s rights. Theories of masculinity, and the ways in which they enforce cultural stereotypes on men are also among covered topics. Other areas explored include fighting prejudice and discriminiation, changing and challenging existing, harmful mentalities put in place by social institutions such as families, the laws, religion and media, among others, by implementing diversity, inclusivity and outreach policies. 

A lot of the areas of study involved in gender studies are sensitive but relevant topics in today’s world, which often have personal resonance to students. Students are taught to approach these complex issues mindfully, with cultural sensitivity and with a problem solving, impact and action-oriented mindset in order to find ways to effectively communicate to support their arguments.