- Introduction
In today’s complex world, issues of gender inequality and lack of diversity persist across various social, economic, and political spheres. These inequalities often intersect with other forms of marginalization based on race, caste, class, disability, and sexuality, creating multifaceted barriers to justice and equity. Recognizing and addressing these systemic issues is not only a matter of social justice but also crucial for building inclusive and peaceful communities.
This certificate course on “Gender, Diversity, and Social Transformation” offers a comprehensive and action-oriented exploration of critical issues shaping our world and communities. It is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives necessary to become effective, transformative leaders who can foster lasting social change in whichever sector they are involved in.
The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive and critical understanding of gender, diversity, and social transformation. The course is divided into five thematic modules, each comprising 6 hours of instruction.
The course is jointly offered by Kristu Jayanti University and Visthar Academy (Affiliated to Bangalore North University).
2. Syllabus
This certificate course is structured to provide a comprehensive journey from understanding core concepts to applying them for real-world change. It logically progresses from foundational definitions to critical analysis, policy application, and finally, transformative action.
Module | Module Title and Topics Covered | Total Hours |
Module 1 | Gender, Social Relations, and Institutions · Concepts of sex, gender, gender roles, and relations · Sexuality and sexual orientation · The social construction of gender: Role of family, education, religion, media · Analysis of power, patriarchy, and masculinities | 6 |
Module 2 | Intersectionality: Theory and Application · Conceptualizing Intersectionality · Intersectional Analytics: Examining the intersections of multiple axes of identity (e.g., caste, class, gender, sexuality, disability) · Contextualizing Intersectionality in Institutional and Community settings | 6 |
Module 3 | Mainstreaming Gender and Diversity: Frameworks and Policies · Practical frameworks and tools for gender & diversity analysis · Policy approaches to women’s development and empowerment · Gender and diversity responsive Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) · Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in organizational policies and structures | 6 |
Module 5 | Feminisms and Women’s Movements · Foundational Theories and Waves of Feminism · Global Feminisms and Decolonization · Women’s Movements in India · Contemporary Debates and Challenges | 6 |
3. GDST: A Stepping Stone to a Purpose-Driven Career
This certificate course provides participants with specialized knowledge and practical skills that are highly sought after in today’s job market. The program will advance job opportunities by:
- Equipping students for specialized roles in NGOs, corporate social responsibility (CSR) departments, government agencies, and international development organizations focused on social development.
- Enhancing professional competencies for inclusive leadership, equipping participants for positions that require the implementation of equitable policies and the promotion of inclusive change.
- Facilitating career transitions and up-skilling, enabling professionals in fields like human resources, education, and management to transition into specialized roles like a Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Officer, CSR Manager, or Gender Specialist.
4. FACULTY
A distinguished team of experts from Kristu Jayanti College and Visthar Academy leads the course.
Lead Facilitators:
- Ms. Mercy Kappen: Senior expert with extensive experience in gender, diversity, and social transformation. Executive Director, Visthar
- Dr. Jonas Richard, Head, Department of Social Work, Kristu Jayanti University (KJU)
- Dr. Amitha Santiago: Professor, Curriculum Consultant, and Director, Visthar Academy
- Dr. Winnie Joyce, Professor, Dept. of Social work, KJU
5. FEES AND ASSESSMENT
Course Fee: Rs. 3000/- (Three Thousand Only)
Assessment: The course employs a continuous assessment model to evaluate learning outcomes. The final grade will be based on the following components:
- Class Participation (60%): Active engagement in discussions, workshops, and case study analyses.
- Collaborative Project (20%): A group project designed to address a real-world challenge related to gender and diversity.
- Reflective Journal (20%): A personal journal or final presentation reflecting on key learnings and outlining a plan for applying new knowledge in a professional or community context.
Visthar
www.visthar.org
