Luanar introduces gender studies degrees
The Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (Luanar) has introduced post-graduate and under-graduate programmes in gender studies following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the institution and the Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare.
The Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (Luanar) has introduced post-graduate and under-graduate programmes in gender studies following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the institution and the Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare.
The introduction of the programmes will see 90 students undergoing diploma in gender development, bachelor of science degree in gender and development and master of science degree in gender and development. The programmes will see students getting scholarships from the Gender Equality and Women Empowerment (Gewe) project being implemented by the Ministry of Gender and is supported by the European Union (EU)and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
The MoU was signed by Luanar vice-chancellor Professor George Kanyama-Phiri and Principal Secretary for Ministry of Gender Mary Shaba two weeks ago.
Gewe Project coordinator Innocent Hauya told a Gewe review meeting in Lilongwe on Tuesday that apart from awarding scholarships to the students, they are also supporting Luanar in developing an institutional gender policy.
Hauya also said Gewe will offer scholarships to 30 diploma students, 50 degree students and 10 master’s degree candidates throughout the duration of their studies.
Luanar deputy dean in the faculty of food and human sciences, Andrew Joabe, told the meeting that selection of diploma and degree students has already been done and that they will soon advertise for the masters programme for the January 2015 intake.
Joabe said the institutionalisation of the gender policy at the university will be a model approach for other tertiary institutions in the country.
Agata Nieboj, programmer manager for the EU delegation, said the Union is committed in strengthening the gender sector in Malawi hence the support of the development of gender studies at Luanar.
