The ISDJ’s Gender Justice, Activism and Sustainable Development program trains future-focused leaders to challenge systemic inequities and co-create inclusive and just societies.
This fully online program fuses academic excellence with real-world relevance, equipping you to drive policy, lead movements and reimagine development through an intersectional feminist lens. Designed for activists, professionals, researchers and advocates across the globe, this is your space to transform theory into action.
Why choose Gender Justice, Activism and Sustainable Development at the ISDJ?
- Justice is our guiding light
This program is grounded in equity, empathy and reparation. We centre the voices of the Global South, amplifying feminist and decolonial approaches to sustainable development. - From the Caribbean to the world
Learn from Caribbean expertise that has long shaped global conversations on gender, rights and resistance. Our stories, struggles and solutions lead the way. - Interdisciplinary and intersectional
Connect gender justice to climate, governance, education, health, economics and more. Learn to see – and solve – inequity at every level. - Built for action
From grassroots advocacy to global policymaking, you’ll gain practical skills in activism, research, programming and strategic leadership.
SDGs for this Programme
1. NO POVERTY
Over 700 million people still live on less than $2.15 a day. SDG 1 calls for universal social protection, access to basic services, and economic inclusion — ensuring no one is left behind regardless of geography, gender, or circumstance.
4. QUALITY EDUCATION
300 million children worldwide cannot read or write. SDG 4 goes beyond access — it demands inclusive, equitable, quality learning at every level, equipping people with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
5. GENDER EQUALITY
Gender-based discrimination costs the global economy trillions annually. SDG 5 targets the elimination of violence, harmful practices, and systemic barriers — championing women's full and equal participation in political, economic, and public life.
10. REDUCED INEQUALITIES
The richest 1% hold more wealth than the bottom 50% combined. SDG 10 targets income inequality, discriminatory laws, and unequal access to opportunity — within countries and between them — building a world where progress is shared by all.
16. PEACE, JUSTICE, AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS
Conflict, corruption, and weak governance trap millions in cycles of poverty and injustice. SDG 16 builds the foundations of peaceful, inclusive societies — transparent institutions, access to justice, and accountable leadership at every level.
17. PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE GOALS
The 2030 Agenda cannot be achieved by any nation alone. SDG 17 calls for strengthened global partnerships, technology transfer, debt relief for developing nations, and a fair multilateral system that gives every country a real seat at the table.
Programme Levels
Master's
- 6 core courses (18 credits)
- 4 electives (12 credits)
- 1 project (6 credits)
Total: 36 credits
56 learning weeks full-time, 96 learning weeks part-time
US$10,000
Postgraduate Diploma
- 5 core courses (15 credits)
- 2 electives (6 credits)
Total: 21 credits
32 learning weeks full-time, 56 learning weeks part-time
US$7,500
Postgraduate Certificate
- 4 core courses (12 credits)
Total: 12 credits
16 learning weeks full-time, 32 learning weeks part-time
US$3,500
What you'll learn
- Feminist and queer theories in a Global South context
- Gender-responsive policy design and implementation
- Advocacy and activism strategies for social change
- Intersectionality in development practice
- Human rights, equity and SDG integration
- Program design, monitoring and evaluation for gender outcomes
Who Should Apply
Gender and development practitioners
- working in NGOs, international development organisations or government who need formal graduate-level credentials to advance their careers
Policy professionals and advocates
- seeking deeper analytical tools to design, implement and evaluate gender-responsive policies and programmes
Activists and community organizers
- who want to ground their work in feminist theory, intersectional analysis and SDG-aligned frameworks
Professionals in underserved communities
- across the Caribbean and Global South who need flexible, accessible graduate education that speaks directly to their context
Careers with purpose
Graduates of the Gender Justice, Activism and Sustainable Development program are equipped to lead in roles such as:
- Gender and inclusion specialists
- Policy analysts and advisors
- Human rights advocates
- Program managers for NGOs, IGOs and governments
- Researchers and educators
- Leaders of justice-driven organisations
You won’t just learn about gender justice – you’ll be ready to lead it.
Admissions Requirements
Option A: Degreed - Honours Applicants
- At least a bachelor's degree or equivalent from a university acceptable to The UWI
- Minimum GPA of 2.5
- Some programme options may require specific degrees for matriculation
Option B: Degreed - Pass Applicants
- Pass degree with at least two (2) years of post-degree work experience, particularly in a related field
- Some programme options may require specific degrees for matriculation
Option C: Technical/Professional Qualification
- Technical and/or professional qualification(s) from an approved body recognised by The UWI
- Minimum of two (2) years' experience
Option D: Non-Degreed or Certified Applicants
- Relevant work experience with at least five (5) years of management-level experience
- May be subject to interview
- Successful completion of pre-programme qualifying course required
