On October 11th, 2024, the Centre for Gender Equity and Equality (CGEE), in collaboration with the Staff Development Centre (SDC) of the University of Jaffna and the Women’s Education and Research Centre (WERC), Colombo successfully inaugurated the second batch of the Certificate Course in Women’s Studies. The program was organized by the course coordinator, Dr. (Mrs.) Dilogini Sangarathas, and the inaugural ceremony was graced by the presence of Professor S. Srisatkunarajah, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jaffna, along with Prof. (Ms.) S.Shanmugathas (Director/CGEE, Prof.R.Vijayakumaran (Director/Staff Development Centre, University of Jaffna), and Mrs. Shiranee Mills (Executive Director, Women’s Education and Research Centre (WERC)). The course aims to promote the understanding of gender issues, enhance equity, and empower individuals within the local community. It is designed to equip participants with critical knowledge on gender studies, feminist theory, and the challenges women face in their daily lives.
The Certificate Course in Women’s Studies is intended to provide students with a thorough understanding of the key issues surrounding gender equality and empowerment. With a focus on feminist perspectives and gender analysis, the course covers important themes such as gender mainstreaming, violence against women, identity and power dynamics, and the role of women in the economy. It also addresses contemporary challenges such as sexual and gender-based violence, providing students with the tools to understand and advocate for gender equity within their communities.
This second batch of students represents a critical step forward in the promotion of gender equality in the region. The course is fully funded by the Feminist Opportunities Network (FON) project, which is committed to fostering inclusive spaces for learning and empowerment. The FON project, led by CERA, plays an instrumental role in supporting the course by offering financial resources, materials, and capacity-building support to ensure that 25 students have access to this valuable educational opportunity.
The course plays a vital role in empowering women and addressing gender-based inequalities within the local community. By educating participants on the complexities of gender dynamics and providing them with skills to address inequities, the course has the potential to create a ripple effect, as students apply their knowledge to real-world situations in their communities. The curriculum is designed to be not only academic but also practical, with a focus on real-world applications, ensuring that the knowledge gained is directly translatable into efforts to achieve social justice and gender equity.
The inauguration of the second batch of the Certificate Course in Women’s Studies is a testament to the continued efforts of the CGEE, SDC, and WERC in promoting gender equality in the region. The course is well-positioned to create meaningful change, offering students the opportunity to engage deeply with gender issues and equipping them to be advocates for equality and justice in their own communities. The program’s ongoing success demonstrates the importance of collaborative efforts and the power of education in advancing gender equity.
