Bachelor of Arts in Gender Studies

The Bachelor in Gender Studies (BA Gender Studies) programme is offered in School of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Zambia (UNZA). The programme is designed to produce graduates with gender expertise and research capabilities to address complex challenges posed by gender inequalities and social exclusion in varied context. The mission of the BA Gender Studies programme is to provide graduates with gender-specific knowledge and skills required to examine and respond to unique opportunities and challenges faced by women and men in Zambia and globally, and to develop strategies that advance gender equality and inclusivity. This mission is in line with that of UNZA, which aims to "provide quality and relevant higher education, research, and innovation that shape the future of society" (UNZA Strategic Plan 2023-2027). The programme is tailored to meet the increasing national and global demand for gender expertise and researchers required to contribute to sustainable development, gender equality and social inclusion through evidence-based research and interdisciplinary work.

The programme also aligns with Zambia’s key national documents including the Constitutional Amendment No 2 of 2016, the Gender Equality and Equity Act (2015), Vision 2030, Eighth National Development Plan, the National Gender Policy (2023), and the Green Growth Strategy (2024). The aforementioned national documents as well as the United Nations Sustainable Development goals all emphasize the need to not leave anyone behind based on various social markers including gender, disability, socio-economic status, age, geographical location among others. This programme will produce graduates equipped with critical skills that will help Zambia achieve her vision of becoming a prosperous middle-income country by 2030 and promote inclusive, sustainable development for all.

Zambia is a signatory to international gender frameworks, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal number 5; the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), and the African Union Gender Policy, among others. These instruments underscore the importance of advancing gender equality across all sectors of society. In alignment with this commitment, the University of Zambia, through its Strategic Plan (2023–2027), has pledged to support national gender equality efforts by offering specialized academic programs in gender studies and mainstream gender across various disciplines. In this regard, the Department of Gender Studies provides a specialized gender programme which was informed by a needs assessment involving a diverse group of local and international stakeholders.

The BA Gender Studies programme prepares professionals with expertise in gender theories and principles, enabling them to shape inclusive policies and advance development agendas in Zambia and globally. Graduates of this programme are prepared for diverse career opportunities as gender experts in fields such as education, the judiciary, health, research, defense and security, financial institutions, and community development and social services. The programme also prepares students to enroll in graduate study programmes in gender and women’s studies, as well as related academic disciplines, both in Zambia and internationally.

The aim of the Bachelor of Arts in Gender Studies is to produce a pool of gender experts with intermediary specialized knowledge and skills in gender studies capable to address gender inequality and exclusion challenges.

1. Equip graduates with the specialized knowledge and skills required to advance gender equality and foster inclusivity in Zambia and globally;
2. Provide students with critical thinking skills regarding opportunities and challenges faced by women and men in Zambia and globally;
3. Develop students’ gender analytical skills to examine social processes and practices that influence opportunities and challenges for girls/women and boys/men in Zambia and globally;
4. Equip students with the knowledge, attitudes, and values required to champion peace, gender equality, and inclusivity within various social environments such as the family, community, workplace, and at regional levels.
5. Train students in gender-specific research skills necessary to conduct an original or sufficiently replicated academic research under the supervision of tenured academic staff.