

PG-DIPLOMA in Gender Studies And Development at Rani Durgavati Vishwavidyalaya, Jabalpur


Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Gender Studies and Development at Rani Durgavati Vishwavidyalaya, Jabalpur Jabalpur?
This Post Graduate Diploma in Women''''s Studies at Rani Durgavati Vishwavidyalaya focuses on understanding the multi-faceted issues affecting women in India from an interdisciplinary perspective. The program delves into socio-cultural, economic, political, and legal dimensions. It''''s highly relevant in the Indian context, addressing gender inequalities and contributing to development initiatives across the country.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from any discipline seeking a foundational understanding of gender and development issues in India. It also suits working professionals, including those from NGOs, social work, or policy sectors, looking to enhance their knowledge and skills in gender mainstreaming and advocacy. Aspiring researchers or those aiming for careers in social development will also find it beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue careers in NGOs, social development organizations, government departments focusing on women''''s welfare, and research institutions. Potential roles include project coordinators, social workers, gender specialists, or policy analysts. Entry-level salaries in the social sector typically range from INR 2.5-4 LPA, with significant growth potential based on experience and impact.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Foundational Knowledge in Feminist Theories- (Semester 1)
Engage deeply with core concepts of Women''''s Studies, including patriarchy, sex-gender distinctions, and various feminist theories (liberal, radical, Marxist). Utilize recommended readings and participate actively in class discussions to solidify understanding.
Tools & Resources
University library resources, NPTEL courses on Gender Studies, Online academic journals, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A strong theoretical base is crucial for critically analyzing gender issues in professional roles, whether in policy, advocacy, or research.
Develop Contextual Understanding of Indian Women''''s Issues- (Semester 1)
Supplement academic study with reading reports from government bodies (e.g., Ministry of Women and Child Development), NGOs (e.g., Oxfam India, ActionAid), and news analyses focusing on women''''s status, development challenges, and legal frameworks in India.
Tools & Resources
Official government websites, Annual reports of prominent Indian NGOs, National dailies, Documentary films on social issues
Career Connection
Essential for tailoring interventions and policies relevant to the diverse realities of Indian women, making graduates effective social development professionals.
Enhance Research and Analytical Skills- (Semester 1)
Actively participate in academic exercises requiring critical analysis of case studies related to women''''s health, education, and legal rights. Practice structuring arguments and evidence-based reporting.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing workshops, Online resources for literature review and critical thinking, Guidance from faculty for research assignments
Career Connection
Forms the backbone for roles in research, policy formulation, and program evaluation, crucial for evidence-based social interventions.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Field-Based Learning and Community Interaction- (Early Semester 2)
Actively seek opportunities for field visits or short-term engagements with local NGOs or community groups working on women''''s issues. This includes observing their work, participating in awareness campaigns, and understanding ground realities.
Tools & Resources
University''''s Centre for Women''''s Studies network, Local NGO directories, Volunteer platforms
Career Connection
Provides invaluable practical exposure, enhancing empathy and problem-solving skills required for effective community development and social work roles.
Deepen Understanding of Gender in Politics and Media- (Early Semester 2)
Critically analyze the representation and participation of women in Indian politics and media. Follow current events, debates, and policy discussions, especially regarding women''''s reservation and media portrayal.
Tools & Resources
Political news analyses, Media watch reports, Electoral data from ECI, Academic articles on gender and media
Career Connection
Prepares for roles in advocacy, gender mainstreaming in political organizations, or media analysis for social justice campaigns.
Develop Project Proposal and Research Plan- (Throughout Semester 2)
Start conceptualizing and drafting the project report. Identify a specific research question related to women''''s studies, outline methodologies, and plan data collection. Seek regular feedback from faculty advisors.
Tools & Resources
Research methodology guides, University research ethics guidelines, Consultation with faculty mentors
Career Connection
Essential for developing independent research capabilities, vital for advanced studies or roles requiring analytical reports and project management.
Advanced Stage
Execute and Refine Field Work/Project Report- (Mid to Late Semester 2)
Systematically conduct data collection (interviews, surveys, observations) for the field work/project report. Focus on clear data analysis and structured report writing, adhering to academic standards.
Tools & Resources
Statistical software (e.g., Excel for basic analysis), Academic writing tools, Referencing guides, Regular faculty consultations
Career Connection
Demonstrates ability to conduct independent research, synthesize information, and present findings—a key skill for researchers, policy analysts, and program managers.
Network with Professionals and Attend Workshops- (Throughout Semester 2)
Attend webinars, workshops, or seminars organized by the university or external organizations on gender equality, women''''s empowerment, and development. Network with guest speakers, practitioners, and alumni in the field.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, University alumni network, Event listings from social sector organizations
Career Connection
Opens doors to internship and job opportunities, provides insights into industry trends, and helps build a professional support system.
Prepare for Career Transitions and Further Studies- (Late Semester 2)
Update your CV/resume highlighting field work experience and analytical skills. Prepare for interviews, practice presenting your project findings, and explore options for higher education or specific job roles in the social sector.
Tools & Resources
Career counseling services (if available), Mock interview sessions, Online job portals focused on social impact, University placement cell
Career Connection
Direct preparation for securing placements in relevant organizations or gaining admission to Master''''s or PhD programs in related fields.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Any Graduate from any recognized University
Duration: 1 year (2 semesters)
Credits: 32 Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WS-P101 | Conceptualizing Women''''s Studies : Basic Framework | Core | 4 | Nature, Scope and Evolution of Women''''s Studies, Patriarchy, Sex-Gender distinction, Feminist Theories: Liberal, Radical, Marxist, Socialist, Postmodern, Women''''s Movement in India, Challenges in Women''''s Studies |
| WS-P102 | Women in Indian Society : Changing Status & Role | Core | 4 | Status of Women in Ancient, Medieval, and Modern India, Social Reform Movements and Women, Family, Marriage, and Kinship, Legal Status of Women in India, Rural and Tribal Women |
| WS-P103 | Women & Development : Concerns & Issues | Core | 4 | Development Paradigms: WID, WAD, GAD, Women''''s Health and Nutrition, Education and Women, Women and Environment, Women in Organized and Unorganized Sector |
| WS-P104 | Women & Law | Core | 4 | Constitutional Provisions for Women, Laws related to Marriage and Divorce, Laws related to Property and Inheritance, Crimes against Women: Rape, Domestic Violence, Harassment, Cyber Laws and Women |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WS-P201 | Women in Indian Political System | Core | 4 | Political Participation of Women in India, Women in Grassroots Democracy (Panchayati Raj), Women''''s Reservation Bill, Women and Governance, Challenges in Women''''s Political Empowerment |
| WS-P202 | Women & Media | Core | 4 | Portrayal of Women in Print Media, Women in Electronic Media (TV, Radio, Film), Advertising and Women''''s Image, New Media and Women, Media Advocacy for Women''''s Rights |
| WS-P203 | Women & Health | Core | 4 | Gender and Health Disparities, Reproductive Health Rights, Maternal and Child Health, Mental Health Issues in Women, Government Policies and Programs for Women''''s Health |
| WS-P204 | Field Work / Project Report | Project | 4 | Research Methodology Basics, Data Collection Techniques, Report Writing, Case Study Development, Field Observation and Interviewing |




