Women and Gender In International Development

Our mission is to work towards gender equality in development by promoting gender sensitivity in every CIRED project and ensuring that women benefit. We believe that development is achieved most effectively when it is inclusive, equitable, and based on the priorities of local groups. As a learning community and academic resource, we seek to build capacity to address gender disparities in the areas of agriculture, natural resource management, education, food security, health and nutrition, and water. The WGD program works collaboratively with VT faculty and students, partner organizations around the world, and other stakeholders, conducting interdisciplinary research on gender issues to increase opportunities for women while achieving the technical goals of our projects.

The WGD Program offers internship opportunities through the Women’s and Gender Studies Program at Virginia Tech, as well as through the Geography Department. For internships in Women’s and Gender Studies, visit VT’s Women’s & Gender Studies program page. Individuals interested in pursuing internship or independent study opportunities not associated with the Women’s and Gender Studies Program may contact the WGD Director for more information.

•  Read our Briefing Sheet on Gender and Poverty Reduction for an executive summary of Virginia Tech’s 30-plus-year commitment to taking gender issues into account in global poverty reduction.