Program Purpose

The Higher National Diploma (HND) in Gender and Sustainable Development is designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and competencies to understand gender dynamics and promote sustainable development practices. This program prepares students to critically examine the interconnections between gender, development policies, environmental sustainability, and social justice, especially in the context of The Gambia and West Africa.

Program Objectives

The main objectives of the program are to:

  • Understand gender theories, issues, and policies in development contexts.
  • Examine sustainable development goals (SDGs) through a gender lens.
  • Analyze national and global strategies for gender equity and sustainability.
  • Apply participatory and inclusive methods in community development and policy implementation.
  • Promote environmental, social, and economic sustainability through gender-sensitive initiatives.

Key Concepts to be Learned

  • Gender equity and equality
  • Sustainable development goals (SDGs)
  • Environmental sustainability
  • Gender-sensitive policy and planning
  • Participatory development methods
  • Women’s rights and empowerment
  • Climate change and gender justice
  • Governance and development institutions

Curriculum Structure

Semester 1

  1. GEN 101: Communication Skills
  2. GEN 102: Introduction to Gender Studies
  3. GEN 103: Introduction to Sustainable Development
  4. GEN 104: Information and Communication Technology
  5. GEN 105: Principles of Sociology
  6. GEN 106: Environmental Science Basics

Semester 2

  1. GEN 201: Gender and Development Theories
  2. GEN 202: Development Economics
  3. GEN 203: Quantitative Methods for Social Sciences
  4. GEN 204: Human Rights and Social Justice
  5. GEN 205: Environmental Policies and Planning
  6. GEN 206: Research Methods in Gender Studies

Semester 3

  1. GEN 301: Gender, Environment, and Climate Change
  2. GEN 302: Gender Mainstreaming and Policy Analysis
  3. GEN 303: Project Planning and Management
  4. GEN 304: Leadership and Advocacy Skills
  5. GEN 305: Gender and Governance
  6. GEN 306: Internship I (Field Practice)

Semester 4

  1. GEN 401: Gender and Sustainable Livelihoods
  2. GEN 402: Monitoring and Evaluation for Development Projects
  3. GEN 403: Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding
  4. GEN 404: Entrepreneurship and Innovation for Development
  5. GEN 405: Capstone Project/Research
  6. GEN 406: Internship II (Community-Based Project)