Master of Rural Development and Gender

Programme name: Management of Development

Specialisation: Rural Development and Gender

Towards gender equality

Offering a shared vision for the better world that can be created by 2015, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) set a powerful agenda for a global partnership to fight poverty. But if living standards in developing countries are to be improved, it is essential to achieve a better balance between men and women. Women are the majority of the poor and if their situation remains unchanged, it will never be possible to combat poverty and exclusion.

Agriculture is the main livelihood of most people in countries with develop­ing economies. Although development organisations are aware that gender mainstreaming is vital to rural develop­ment, their struc­tures, cultures and work processes are often inappropriate for work on gender equality and social inclusion. Neither do many staff members have the competences they need to properly address the different needs of men and women.

This Master's programme tackles the problem head-on. Designed to develop the specific competences you need to enhance gender equality and social equity, it provides an excellent mix of academic knowledge and professional skills.

The programme is especially suited to mid-career professionals whose organisations focus on community development and agricultural or rural development - particularly those tackling social equity issues or gender mainstreaming. It will also be of particular interest to consultants working with rural development projects and organisations.