Department & Centre for Women’s Studies
Mother Teresa Women’s University
Established in 1999
About the Department
The Department and Centre for Women’s Studies, established in 1999 and supported by the UGC, is dedicated to empowering women through capacity-building and gender-focused academic initiatives. It integrates feminist theory, gender literacy, and leadership skills to bring about social, economic, political, and cultural empowerment.
As the first Women’s University in Tamil Nadu to offer regular M.A. and Ph.D. courses in Women’s Studies, the department aims to transform academia by embedding feminist thought across disciplines. It raises critical policy debates from underrepresented communities including Dalit, tribal, and religious minorities.
The department actively contributes to grassroots empowerment by offering livelihood, awareness, and entrepreneurship programmes through its Women's Studies Training Centre in Pallapatti. Its vision is to promote a just and inclusive society through education, research, and social advocacy.
Programmes Offered
- ➤ M.A Women’s Studies
- ➤ Ph.D in Women’s Studies
Syllabus & Outcomes
- ➤ M.A Women’s Studies – CO
- ➤ M.A Women’s Studies – PEO, POs and PSOs
Projects
| S. No | Project Title | Principal Investigator | Funding Agency | Year | Funds (₹ in Lakhs) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Social Audit – Midday meal | Dr. S.P. Denisia | District Collector, Collectorate, Madurai | 2015 | 4.15 | 2015–2016 |
| 2 | MWCD – Bestlife practices prevailing among Paliya Women tribes of Kodaikanal | Dr. S.P. Denisia | Ministry of Women and Child Development | 2016 | 8.95 | 2016–2017 |
| 3 | Evaluation of the PRI-SHG Network convergence framework – Ramanathapuram & Virudhunagar District | Dr. S. Meenapriyadharshini & K. Kavitha | State Institute of Rural Development and Panchayat | 2019 | 4.11 | 2019–2020 |
| 4 | Steps to Stop Female Infanticide in Madurai and Theni Districts, Tamil Nadu | Dr. S. Meenapriyadharshini & K. Kavitha | Department of Social Welfare, Tamil Nadu | 2022 | 1.5 | 6 months |