DEPARTMENT & CENTRE FOR WOMEN’S STUDIES
MOTHER TERESA WOMEN’S UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT & CENTRE FOR WOMEN’S STUDIES
The Department and Centre for Women’s Studies was established in 1999 and recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC), the Department and Centre for Women’s Studies has been a leading institution for women’s empowerment in Tamil Nadu. Women’s Studies program with the aim of fostering gender equality, women’s empowerment, and interdisciplinary research. Over the years, its impactful initiatives and programs led to its elevation as a full-fledged department in 2013. Since then, the Department of Women’s Studies has emerged as a hub for academic excellence, research, training, and advocacy, playing a pivotal role in promoting gender equity and addressing women's issues in society. The Department and Centre for Women’s Studies has consistently received robust support from various esteemed organizations, government institutions, and the university itself to further its mission of women’s empowerment, gender equality, and impactful research. These collaborations enable the department to excel in offering training programs, awareness initiatives, research projects, documentation efforts, and activities dedicated to advancing women's empowerment.
As the first Women’s University in Tamil Nadu to offer regular B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. programs in Women’s Studies and Certificate Courses on Women and Legal Rights, the department holds a significant position in academia. The discipline of Women’s Studies enriches and transforms other academic fields by integrating feminist perspectives, thereby broadening the scope of research and policy debates. The department actively engages with women from marginalized communities, including Dalits, Tribal populations, laborers, and sexual and religious minorities, amplifying their voices and concerns within academic and policy-making spaces. By promoting the understanding and participation of women in policy formulation, the department strives to build a just and secular society in India.
Academic Programs
In addition, the department has taken a transformative step by introducing Women Empowerment as a mandatory core course for all undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) programs across the university. This initiative integrates the principles of gender equality into diverse disciplines, fostering a comprehensive understanding of women's empowerment among students from all academic backgrounds.
Vision
To empower women through education, research, and advocacy by fostering gender equity and social justice in all spheres of life, in alignment with the legacy of Mother Teresa’s compassion
and service.
Mission
- To promote interdisciplinary teaching and research on women's issues, with a focus on empowerment, development, and gender justice.
- To integrate gender perspectives into academics, administration, and outreach activities of the university and its affiliated institutions.
- To provide skill-based training, capacity building, and awareness programmes for women from diverse backgrounds, especially those from marginalized and underprivileged communities.
- To collaborate with governmental and non-governmental organizations for policy advocacy and community-based interventions aimed at improving the status of women.
- To document, publish, and disseminate research and knowledge on gender and development to help build an informed, equitable, and inclusive society.
Programmes Offered
Programme | Eligibility | Duration |
B.A. Women’s | +2 Any Group | 3 years |
M.A Women’s | Any Degree | 2 years |
Ph.D | - | - |
Syllabus & Outcomes
➤ B.A Women's Studies – CO
➤ M.A Women’s Studies – PEO, POs and PSOs
Program Highlights
- Interdisciplinary Curriculum: The programme adopts an integrated and multidisciplinary approach, drawing insights from Sociology, History, Economics, Political Science, Law, Health Sciences, and Environmental Studies to provide a comprehensive understanding of gender and development issues.
- Field-Based Learning : Strong emphasis is placed on experiential learning through community engagement, internships, field visits, and the application of Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) techniques, effectively bridging theory and practice.
- Research Orientation : The programme promotes feminist research methodologies, equipping students with both qualitative and quantitative research skills, with a focus on socially relevant and policy-oriented research.
- Skill Development : Students develop leadership, communication, advocacy, critical thinking, and analytical skills, preparing them for academic, research, and professional careers across diverse sectors.
- Community and Social Engagement : Learners actively participate in gender sensitization programmes, awareness campaigns, and capacity-building initiatives in both rural and urban settings, fostering meaningful social impact.
- Collaborations and Funded Projects :The Department offers opportunities to engage in research and training initiatives supported by UGC, ICSSR, NCW, and other government agencies through national and institutional collaborations.
- Career Pathways : Graduates pursue successful careers in academia, research institutions, civil society organizations, development agencies, and government services, reflecting the programme’s broad professional relevance and scope
Governmental Support
The department has established partnerships with several government organizations that provide resources and expertise for its initiatives:
- National Commission for Women (NCW)
- Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD)
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
- Tamil Nadu State Council for Higher Education (TANSCHE)
- Department of Social Welfare, Tamil Nadu
- Women and Child Welfare Units at the state level
- Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR)
These collaborations allow the department to expand its reach and amplify its efforts through funding, technical guidance, and strategic partnerships, enabling impactful research and training programs.
Advocacy and Impact
The department actively advocates for the integration of gender perspectives in academic curricula and promotes a deeper understanding of gender dynamics in society. Through its academic programs and research initiatives, the department contributes significantly to raising awareness of women's issues, influencing policies, and driving meaningful social change.
The support received from the UGC and other governmental institutions highlights their recognition of the department’s contributions to women’s studies and their endorsement of its efforts in promoting gender equality and women's empowerment. This collective commitment underscores the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships in creating positive societal impact.
Vision for the Future
The Department of Women’s Studies remains dedicated to its mission of empowering women and fostering gender equity through:
- High-quality education and interdisciplinary research.
- Collaborative initiatives with government and non-governmental organizations.
- Advocacy efforts that influence policy and societal attitudes towards gender equality.
- Expanding gender-related education to students from all disciplines through initiatives like the Women Empowerment Course.
Research Contribution Projects :
Sl.NO | Title of the project | Funding Agency | Year | Status |
| Monitoring and Evaluation capacity Building of Universities” in the State of Tamil Nadu | Govt of India, Niti Aayog, Development Monitoring & Evaluation Office | 2024 | Completed |
| Minor Research Project on Empowering Communities through Gender Inclusive Technology:The Role of Community Engagement in successful Textile Recycling Initiatives: Special reference in Tiruppur District Tamil Nadu (in collaboration with Home science and Computer Science Department of the University) | ICSSR, Govt of India,New Delhi | 2023 | Completed |
| ICSSR Short Term Project on “A Journey of Transformation: 360 Degree Assessment of Sukanya Samriddhi and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Initiatives in Five Districts of Tamil Nadu” ( In collaboration with Computer Science, English,Visual Communication and physical Education of the University) | ICSSR, Govt of India, New Delhi | 2024 | Completed |
| A Study On The Life Status Of Migrant Women Workers In Unorganised Sectors At Madurai District | UGC-Women's Studies | 2024 | Completed |
| A Study On The Socio Economic Status of Elderly Women in Southern Tamil Nadu | UGC-Women's Studies | 2024 | Completed |
| Unsung Freedom Fighters in Tamil Nadu | Special Research Project under Hon’ble Governor of Tamil Nadu | 2023 | Completed |
| WASH among the working women in Southern Region of TamilNadu | UGC-Women's Studies | 2023 | Completed |
| Study on Child Marriage in Theni District of Tamil Nadu, India – Theni Collectorate. | SCPS – DCPU,District Collectrate,Theni Dt | 2023 | Completed |
| Perception of Parents towards Girls Higher Education in Southern Region of Tamil Nadu | UGC-Women's Studies | 2023 | Completed |
| Impact Assessment study on National Agro Foundation, Chennai | National Agro Foundation, Taramani | 2022 | Completed |
| Workers in Organized and Unorganized Sectors in Dindigul District | UGC-Women's Studies | 2022 | Completed |
| Step to Stop female Infanticide in Madurai and Theni Districts, TamilNadu | The Directorate of Social Welfare, TamilNadu | 2022 | Completed |
| Global Efforts and Strategies to end the practice of Child Marriage | TANSCHE-RGP | 2022 | Completed |
| A Study on Financial Liberty Level of Women | UGC-Women's Studies | 2022 | Completed |
| A Study on Awareness Level of Social Protection Schemes Among Women in Unorganised Sector | UGC-Women's Studies | 2022 | Completed |
| Challenges of Women Workers in unorganised sectors during Pandemic Covid19 in Dindigul Districts | UGC-Women's Studies | 2021 | Completed |
| A Study on Report Victimization Level of Women and Adolescent Girls in Madurai District | UGC-Women's Studies | 2021 | Completed |
| A Study on Challenges of Tribal Women in New Normal in Dindigul District | UGC-Women's Studies | 2021 | Completed |
| A sociological analysis of Women Migrant Workers in SIPCOT –Industrial Complex, Dindigul Dt | UGC-Women's Studies | 2021 | Completed |
| A Study on women Economical Empowerment Among Women Labourerat DindigulDistrict | UGC-Women's Studies | 2020 | Completed |
| A Study on Menstrual Hygiene and Safety among Women Labourers in Dindigul Distrist | UGC-Women's Studies | 2020 | Completed |
| Evaluation of PRI-SHG convergence Training at Virudhunagar and RamnadDt- State Institute of Rural Development, Tamil Nadu | SIRD | 2019 | Completed |
Program Offered
Women's Studies Programme Outcome
UG,PG& Ph.D Women's Studies Programme Outcome
The Department and Centre for Women's Studies is committed to advancing gender justice, inclusive development, and transformative scholarship. The Overall Programme outcomes reflect the academic, social and community- oriented vision of the centre. Upon completion of the programme(s) offered by the Department and centre for Women's Studies, graduates will be able to:
PO 1: Comprehensive Gender Knowledge -Demonstrate in-depth understanding of feminist theories, gender concepts, women’s movements, and intersectional perspectives at local, national, and global levels.
PO 2: Critical and Analytical Thinking -Critically analyze socio-cultural, political, economic, and legal structures that shape gender inequalities and propose evidence-based solutions.
PO 3: Research and Academic Competence -Design, conduct, and disseminate gender-focused research using ethical, qualitative, quantitative, and interdisciplinary methodologies.
PO 4: Legal and Policy Awareness -Interpret constitutional provisions, gender-related legislations, public policies, and development programmes from a rights-based perspective.
PO 5: Advocacy and Leadership- Demonstrate leadership skills in community engagement, gender sensitization, policy advocacy, and institutional gender mainstreaming initiatives.
PO 6: Community Engagement and Social Responsibility -Engage actively with rural and marginalized communities—especially women and girl children—through extension activities, awareness programmes, and empowerment initiatives.
PO 7: Economic and Digital Empowerment Orientation -Apply knowledge of entrepreneurship, financial literacy, digital tools, and technological inclusion to promote women’s socio-economic independence.
PO 8: Ethical and Professional Integrity -Uphold ethical standards in research, academic writing, documentation, and community practice, ensuring accountability and social justice.
PO 9: Inclusive and Sustainable Development Perspective -Promote inclusive, sustainable, and gender-sensitive development aligned with national and global development goals.
PO 10: Lifelong Learning and Transformative Engagement -Exhibit continuous learning, reflective thinking, and commitment to transformative social change for gender equity.