The Centre for Gender and Development Studies (CGDS) hosts the Elsa Leo-Rhynie Symposium and 15th Anniversary Celebrations of the Centre for Gender and Development Studies on November 9-11, 2008 at the Mona Visitors’ Lodge and Conference Centre. The Symposium is being held under the theme Gender Perspectives in Education: Caribbean Impact Global Reach.

The Symposium activities begin with an Opening Ceremony on Sunday, November 9, 2008 at 5 pm at the Mona Visitors’ Lodge. The Conference then proceeds with presentation and discussion sessions over two days on several topics including: Gender Studies in Higher Education: Retrospect and Prospect; Gender and Higher Education and Gender and Caribbean Society.

The event is designed to recognize the sterling contribution of Professor Elsa Leo-Rhynie who was appointed the first Professor of Gender and Development Studies in 1992 and served as the first Regional Coordinator of the institutionalized Centre from 1993 to 1996. In addition it will also serve to commemorate and reflect on the genesis, development and future direction of Gender and Development Studies at UWI.