Department of Women's Studies & 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 recognized by the
UGC, stands as a pivotal institution for women's empowerment in Tamil Nadu. Through a wide
range of initiatives—including feminist theory building, gender sensitivity training, gender
education, and leadership skill development—the department aims to foster social, economic,
political, and cultural empowerment, along with gender equality.
As the first Women’s University in Tamil Nadu to offer regular B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. programs
in Women’s Studies, the department holds a significant position in academia. The discipline of
Women’s Studies enriches and transforms other academic fields by integrating feminist
perspectives, thereby broadening the scope of research and policy debates.
The department actively engages with women from marginalized communities, including Dalits,
Tribal populations, laborers, and sexual and religious minorities, amplifying their voices and
concerns within academic and policy-making spaces. By promoting the understanding and
participation of women in policy formulation, the department strives to build a just and secular
society in India.
In its outreach efforts, the department operates the Women’s Studies Training Centre in
Pallapatti, extending its services to rural communities. This center offers livelihood
opportunities, awareness programs, and entrepreneurship training, empowering rural women to
achieve economic independence and social upliftment.
Notably, students of Women’s Studies have secured positions in various government
departments, including the police force, schools, and libraries, making valuable contributions
across diverse sectors. Moreover, the department has fostered the emergence of micro-level
women entrepreneurs among its graduates, highlighting the tangible impact of its initiatives on
economic empowerment and societal transformation.
Vision
To empower women through education, research, and advocacy by fostering gender equity and
social justice in all spheres of life, in alignment with the legacy of Mother Teresa’s compassion
and service.
Mission
1. To promote interdisciplinary teaching and research on women's issues, with a focus on
empowerment, development, and gender justice.
2. To integrate gender perspectives into academics, administration, and outreach activities
of the university and its affiliated institutions.
3. To provide skill-based training, capacity building, and awareness programmes for women
from diverse backgrounds, especially those from marginalized and underprivileged
communities.
4. To collaborate with governmental and non-governmental organizations for policy
advocacy and community-based interventions aimed at improving the status of women.
5. To document, publish, and disseminate research and knowledge on gender and
development to help build an informed, equitable, and inclusive society.
Programmes Offered
| Programme | Eligibility | Duration |
| B.A. Women’s Studies | +2 Any Group Age limit- 24 years | 3 years |
| M.A Women’s Studies | Any Degree No age limit | 2 years |
| Ph.D | - | - |
Syllabus & Outcomes
- ➤ M.A Women’s Studies – CO
- ➤ B.A Women's Studies - CO
- ➤ M.A Women’s Studies – PEO, POs and PSOs
Highlights of the Programme
➤Interdisciplinary Curriculum: Offers an integrated approach drawing from Sociology,
History, Economics, Political Science, Law, Health Sciences, and Environmental
Studies, providing a holistic understanding of gender issues.
➤ Field-Based Learning: Emphasizes hands-on learning through community visits,
internships, and Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) techniques, bridging theory and
practice.
➤ Research Orientation: Focuses on feminist research methodologies, incorporating
both qualitative and quantitative techniques with an emphasis on real-world
application.
➤ Skill Development: Builds leadership, communication, advocacy, and analytical
skills, preparing students for academic, research, and professional roles in diverse
sectors.
➤ Social Impact: Students actively participate in gender sensitization programmes,
awareness campaigns, and capacity-building initiatives in both rural and urban
communities.
➤ Collaborations and Projects: Provides opportunities to engage in UGC, ICSSR, NCW,
and other government-funded research and training programmes through national
and institutional partnerships.
➤ Career Pathways: Graduates secure positions in academia, research organizations,
civil society institutions, development agencies, and government services, reflecting
the programme’s broad professional scope.
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 |