African Gender Institute

General information

The African Gender Institute at the University of Cape Town is a teaching, learning and research institute which focuses on issues of gender and development on the African continent.

Since it’s inception 12 years ago the AGI has grown into a globally respected and continentally vibrant organisation which has built networks and collaborative partnerships with academic institutions and non government organisations across Africa. Renowned for collaborative research projects that marry theory, practice and activism, the AGI has delivered innovative integrated outcomes on gender justice, sexuality and human rights, peace and conflict studies and capacity building in relation to gender and women’s studies knowledges.

Powerfully feminist in philosophy and practice the AGI offers programmes of teaching and research on gender in the contexts of, inter alia, sexuality, development, land reform, law, conflict, politics, race, economics and culture. The AGI enrols some 1,000 students from undergraduate through to doctoral level each year.

Our Goals

developing theoretical and practical understandings of gender and its importance in the process of social transformation in Africa
developing teaching and research in gender studies so as to advance the pursuit of intellectual excellence at the University of Cape Town and other African educational institutions
facilitating linkages between intellectuals, researchers, policy-makers and practitioners working towards the attainment of gender equity in Africa
strengthening the intellectual and leadership capacity of those working towards the attainment of gender equity in Africa
building a proactive and responsive knowledge and information base

The African Gender Institute will soon implement a refocused strategic vision and will embark on a five year programme of collaborative research which will centre on:

· Feminist Practices and Processes of Technologies

· Peace Building and Gender on the African continent

· Sexual and Reproductive Rights

· Politics of Gender and Economic Entrepreneurship