MULTIDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH CENTRE (MRC)

GENDER TRAINING AND RESEARCH PROGRAMME

Introduction
The Gender Training and Research Programme falls under the auspices of the Multidisciplinary Research Centre of the University of Namibia (UNAM). This programme is aimed at addressing the need for institutionalised training and research on gender so as to lay the foundation for gender studies at the University of Namibia and to create gender awareness among Namibia’s future generation. This brochure therefore intends to briefly highlight, among other things, the historical background, the main aims and objectives as well as the activities that are run by
this programme.

Historical Background
The Multidisciplinary Research Centre (MRC) has been involved in carrying out gender-focused research and has been instrumental in the fore–grounding of gender at UNAM. With support from SIDA, UNESCO, UNFPA and SAIL/Netherlands, the MRC started preparing the ground for the establishment of Gender Training and Research Programme in 1994. Particularly, to effectively deal with issues pertaining to gender. The Gender Training and Research Programme with financial support from UNESCO organised a brainstorming workshop in 1995, which looked at the strategy of integrating gender into teaching and research programmes of the university of Namibia. Theses steps were mainly a response to a lack of adequate gender based data collection as well as a lack of resource persons with in-depth skills and experience in gender analysis and research.

The appointment of a Coordinator in 1995, strengthened this programme to take off from the ground and began its programme and project proposals, most of which are being implemented

Aims and Objectives

  • To develop and teach interdisciplinary courses on Gender and Development in UNAM curriculum.

  • To enable UNAM students to gain in-depth understanding and experience in gender research through internships and fieldwork activities.

  • To provide postgraduate training for Namibian researchers and University staff and student, government officials, NGO staff members and individuals with demonstrated potential and commitment to gender analysis and research.

  • To develop linkages with national and international institutions involved in gender related training, research and policy formulation.

  • To promote awareness of gender issues among the general public through improved dissemination of research findings.

  • To improve the teaching and research facilities of UNAM in order to support gender research and training.

  • To improve the socio-economic and legal situation of women in Namibia.

  • To reinforce academic links and networking in Southern Africa.

Past Activities:

  • Ministry of Basis Education Gender Sensitisation and Training Workshops

  • Department of Women’s Affairs Training for focal points

  • Socio-cultural and Operational Research Workshop, UNFPA

  • Department of Women’s Affairs Training of Trainers Workshop, Swakopmund

  • Commonwealth Training of Trainers Course

  • Gender Food Security

  • FAO, SEAGA Training of Trainers Course

  • Writing for academic publications Workshop

  • Gender Research Agenda Meeting, Swakopmund

  • Gender Research Methodology Course, Ondangwa

  • Teaching, Sociology of Gender to UNAM students

  • Gender Development Course-Policy Perspectives and Strategies Roundtable

  • Publication: National Gender Study

Current Activities:

  • Specialised Diploma Course in Gender and Development

  • Contemporary Social Issues Course – a core curriculum taught to all UNAM first year students.

  • Publication: Women’s Property and Inheritance Rights in Namibia

  • Publication: AIDS, Child labour

  • House Hold Resource Management Publication

  • Gender Perspective in Law and Violence

  • Evening Course Roundtable Discussions: Policy Perspective and Strategies: Gender and Development

  • Research Methodology Course, (Young Researchers)

  • Revision: Sociology of Gender Course

  • Special Diploma

  • MA Course in Gender Studies (Curriculum Development)

  • Speech Writing Skills Courses for Women Parliamentarian and Selected Women

  • Oral History Training: Documenting the Participation of Women in the Liberation Struggle of Namibia

  • Oral History Regional Workshops

  • National Conference on Gender and Development

  • SADC Gender Researchers Conference

  • Gender and Disability Workshop


Contact Person(s):
1. Mrs. Eunice Iipinge
Coordinator: Gender Training And Research Programme (GTRP), University of Namibia
E-mail: eiipinge@unam.na
Tel: 061- 2063951/2 Fax: 061-2063268

2. Dr. Debie Le Beau
Senior Researcher
Email: lebeau@mweb.com.na
Tel: 061- 2063283 Fax: 061- 2063268

3. Mr. Michael Conteh
Researcher, (GTRP)
E-mail: mconteh@unam.na
Tel: 061-2063954 Fax: 061-2063268

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