Gender and Development Studies

Overview

The Gender and Development Studies program at Birzeit University aims to expand and deepen knowledge of the theory and concepts of gender and development at the global, regional, and Palestinian levels. It contributes to building capabilities in analysis and critical thinking in order to understand social realities, including the underlying structural obstacles that hinder the integration of women in development, as well as the priorities and needs of national development from a gender-aware perspective. It also aims to develop research skills in order to produce appropriate knowledge that contributes to the development of society based on principles of social justice.

Goals of the Gender and Development Studies program at Birzeit University

• Promote and develop the field of women and gender studies as a relevant academic and research field at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. The program is based on an interdisciplinary approach that cuts across multiple specializations. It applies gender analysis to multiple disciplines and areas of enquiry, thus developing knowledge and gender analysis across multiple fields of study and specializations across the university.

• Develop analytical, theoretical, and methodological concepts and tools in the field of gender studies in order to understand and change social reality.

• Conduct research on gender relations in Palestinian society, including discussing the results of this research through seminars and publications, and contribute to building a knowledge base that deals with social issues in the Palestinian society and that is useful in formulating gender-sensitive policies.

• Integrate gender analytical tools that are relevant to debates concerning issues of social, cultural, economic, and political transformation, and contribute to formulating a vision for a better society based on the principles of social justice.