Regional Institute of Gender, Diversity, Peace & Rights

Overview

RIGDPR...

The Regional Institute of Gender, Diversity, Peace and Rights (RIGDPR) at Ahfad University for Women has a long institutional history in advancing women’s studies and gender scholarship.

It began in 1986 with a compulsory course in Women’s Studies, followed by the establishment of a dedicated unit in 1989. The programme expanded to postgraduate studies in 1997 and was later upgraded into an institute in 2002.

In 2010, it evolved into its current regional status, reflecting its broader mandate and partnerships across Africa and the International Universities.

Welcome to the Regional Institute of Gender, Diversity, Peace and Rights at Ahfad University for Women. Since the establishment of its Master’s programmes in 1997, it has remained a pioneering academic center committed to advancing gender equality, women’s empowerment, peacebuilding, and human rights in Sudan, Africa, and the Arab region. Through innovative teaching, research, training, and community engagement, the Institute prepares leaders and professionals who can respond to contemporary social, political, and developmental challenges.

Also it serves as a dynamic platform for postgraduate learning and knowledge production, linking local realities with regional and global perspectives. It offers specialized programmes in gender, peace, migration, governance, and development, while promoting inclusive and transformative approaches to education and policy.

With strong partnerships with national, regional, and international universities and institutions, it’s continuously works to strengthen academic excellence, research capacity, and practical skills. It is also home to specialized initiatives such as Gender Reproductive Rights And Advocacy Center (GRACE) and its research units (Social sciences and Development research), which contribute to evidence-based advocacy, professional training, policy dialogue and advocacy activities through conferences , workshops and seminars to achieve the institute mission and ohjectives. At the Regional Institute, we believe that education is a powerful pathway to justice, equality, security, and sustainable development. We are proud to continue shaping generations of graduates who serve as scholars, practitioners, and change-makers in their communities and beyond.

Prof. Balghis Badri - Institute Director

Core Activities

Academic Programs

Undergraduate and postgraduate programs in gender, development, and peace studies, designed to build critical knowledge and professional expertise.

Research

Conducting and supervising impactful research that addresses key issues in gender equality, social justice, development, Peace, diversity Management, and women activism

Training

Delivering specialized training, workshops, and short courses to strengthen practical skills , institutional capacities, gender mainstreaming in programs, Peace, Human rights and democracy.

Consultancy & Partnerships

Providing expert advisory services and collaborating with national and international partners to support evidence-based policies and programs.

Programs Offered

Explore Programs

1. Higher Diploma in Women and Gender Studies

A foundational program introducing gender theories, feminist perspectives, and applied gender analysis.

2. Master’s Programs

The Institute offers two master programs: Gender, Development and Peace Studies (GDPS) and Gender, Migration and Multicultural Studies (GMMS). These programs equip students with the knowledge and skills to address issues related to gender, development, migration, peacebuilding, and multiculturalism through research, policy, and practice.

3. PhD in Gender specializations

Advanced doctoral program with specialized areas of study in gender and related interdisciplinary fields.

Discover the Institute of Gender, Development and Peace Studies