The UWI Gender Society was established by BSc Gender and Development students in 2012/2013 to build awareness of gender and promote gender analysis of key issues on the UWI campus and in the wider society. The Gender Society also aims to build UWI students’ awareness of the Institute for Gender and Development Studies, and its teaching research and outreach programmes. Members also do peer-referrals of courses offered in the BSc in Gender and Development and the Minor in Gender and Development Studies programmes. Members inform other students of IGDS’ outreach programmes with career opportunities. They volunteer, and are strong advocates and student leaders who are active in efforts to reduce gender inequalities on the campus and in the wider society.

Goals of the Organization:

The goals of the society are to:

• Develop awareness building programmes to identify and address key gender-related issues at the university and in the society.
• Inform the wider UWI community about the courses offered in the BSc in Gender and Development
• Mentor new BSc students attached to the Institute of Gender & Development Studies and provide peer advising regarding courses programmes and career opportunities.
• Liaise with the University’s Administration on behalf of students attached to the Institute of Gender & Development Studies to advocate for changes to ensure equal access to resources, awards and other programmes.
• Organize opportunities for gender students to volunteer with organizations to support the development of at risk groups in the society who are in need.