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.
The suite develops progressively advanced, intersectional knowledge of gender justice, activism and sustainable development. Students examine how gender, race, class, sexuality, disability and other axes of identity shape inequality, exclusion and development outcomes. Through a staged progression of learning, students build their capacity to apply gender analysis, critique policies and respond to development challenges using justice-oriented approaches. They develop practical skills to design and implement gender-responsive strategies across policy, planning, advocacy, institutions and communities. Graduates are equipped to contribute to evidence-informed policy reform, transformative activism and inclusive, sustainable development.
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Why choose Gender Justice, Activism and Sustainable Development at the ISDJ?
- JLeading Gender-Responsive Change
Builds the capacity to lead gender-responsive policy, planning, and activism - Flexible Learning Pathways
Provides a laddered structure with multiple entry and exit points to suit different career stages - Interdisciplinary Theoretical Foundations
Draws on feminist theory, critical race, and cultural studies methodologies - Expanding Professional Opportunities
Prepares graduates to undertake gender portfolios in organisations or pivot into policy or international development work
SDGs for this Programme
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.
11. SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES
By 2050, two-thirds of humanity will live in cities. SDG 11 envisions urban spaces that are affordable, safe, resilient to climate shocks, and designed to foster community — not exclude it.
13. CLIMATE ACTION
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. With global emissions at record highs, SDG 13 focuses on strengthening resilience to climate-related hazards, integrating climate measures into policies, and improving education to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
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.
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, inclusive of PgCert courses)
- 2 elective courses (6 credits)
Total: 21 credits
US$7,500
Postgraduate Certificate
- 4 core courses
Total: 12 credits
US$3,500
What you'll learn
- Gender mainstreaming
- Project monitoring and evaluation
- Digital skills, including the creation of social media activist campaigns as part of course assessment
- Communication with diverse publics
- Diversity and inclusion tools
- Collaboration and team building
- Advocacy skills
- Planning and decision making
- Academic writing and analysis
- LEARN MORE
Who Should Apply
Gender Development Practitioners
- Professionals in NGOs, government, and international development organisations seeking graduate-level qualifications to advance their careers.
Policy Professionals and Advocates
- Individuals seeking advanced analytical skills to design, implement, and evaluate gender-responsive policies and programmes.
Activists and Academic Researchers
- Community organisers, educators, and researchers seeking to strengthen their work through feminist theory, intersectional analysis, and social justice frameworks.
Aspiring Gender Equality Leaders
- Professionals across the Caribbean and Global South seeking accessible graduate education to advance SDG 5 and create meaningful, real-world impact.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Gender Justice, Activism and Sustainable Development program are equipped to lead in roles such as:
- Gender and Development Advisor
- Policy Analyst (Gender / DEI)
- Programme or Project Officer, NGO / INGO
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Manager
- Advocacy and Communications Officer
- Researcher or Academic in Gender Studies
Admissions Requirements
Option A: Degreed
- At least a bachelor's degree or equivalent from a university acceptable to The UWI
- Minimum GPA of 2.5
Option B: Pass-Degreed Applicants
- Pass degree with at least two (2) years of post-degree work experience, particularly in a related field
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
Why Choose This Programme?
Established Academic Excellence
- Home to the Institute for Gender and Development Studies, with over 25 years of graduate programming
Globally Recognised Gender Leadership
- Ranked among the top universities globally for its response to Gender Equality under the SDGs (THE Impact Rankings)
Commitment to Inclusive Education
- Committed to reaching underserved communities, including plans to offer grants to persons in vulnerable groups
Extensive International Partnerships
- Connected to a wide regional and international network of gender and development partners
