Gender and International Development: Critical Perspectives

"Gender and International Development: Critical Perspectives" is an intermediate-level course offered by UIcelandX that delves into the complex relationship between gender equality and international development initiatives. This comprehensive course, developed with support from GRÓ GEST, explores critical theories and topics essential for understanding the intricate interplay between gender and development.

What students will learn:

  • Recent trends in development theory
  • The role of the state in regulating gender roles
  • Gender perspectives on international security
  • Women's contributions to peacebuilding
  • The concept of decolonization in development contexts
  • Gender mainstreaming and its challenges
  • The role of masculinities and femininities in development

Prerequisites:

  • Good English language skills
  • Minimum of upper secondary education
  • First stages of tertiary education or higher (recommended)
  • Interest in or experience with international development

Course Content:

  • The State's role in gender regulation and harm
  • Gender perspectives on international security
  • Women's roles in security and defense forces
  • Gender and violent extremism/terrorism
  • Gender-responsive peacebuilding
  • Decolonization in development contexts
  • Colonial legacies in education and collective trauma
  • Gender mainstreaming successes and challenges
  • Women's organization and mobilization
  • Masculinities and femininities in development

Who this course is for:

  • Students pursuing degrees in gender studies, international relations, or development studies
  • Professionals working in or considering a career in international development
  • Policymakers and NGO workers interested in gender equality initiatives
  • Anyone passionate about understanding the complexities of gender in global contexts

Real-world applications:

  1. Designing more effective and inclusive development programs
  2. Improving gender-responsive policies in governmental and non-governmental organizations
  3. Enhancing peacebuilding efforts with a gender-sensitive approach
  4. Addressing colonial legacies in development work
  5. Implementing successful gender mainstreaming strategies
  6. Developing more nuanced approaches to security and conflict resolution
  7. Advocating for gender equality in international development contexts

Syllabus:

Week 1: The State

  • Examining the state's role in gender and development
  • State power in shaping institutions and experiences
  • Feminist perspectives on the state
  • The production of gender and gendered harm by states

Week 2: Security

  • Gender disparities in international security
  • Women's perspectives on security
  • Gender and violent extremism/terrorism
  • Children born of war

Week 3: Peacebuilding

  • Evolution of the peacebuilding concept
  • Gender-responsive peacebuilding
  • Women's role in civil society and peace processes
  • Gender dimensions of Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration

Week 4: Decolonization

  • Importance of decolonization in international development
  • Colonial legacies in education and knowledge
  • Decolonization of development practices
  • Impact of coloniality on collective trauma

Week 5: Implementation – The Case of Gender Equality in Post-Apartheid South Africa

  • Challenges of implementing gender equality commitments
  • Economic development vs. gender equality
  • Cultural resistance to gender equality initiatives
  • Case study: Gender Equality and Development in post-apartheid South Africa

This course offers a unique opportunity to explore the multifaceted relationship between gender and international development, providing students with critical insights and practical knowledge to contribute meaningfully to this important field.