Department of Women and Gender Studies

The Department of Women and Gender Studies teaches students interdisciplinary perspectives on the status of women, past and present, and formations of gender around the world through their intersections with sexuality, race, class, nationality, religion and age. The department equips students with the tools to develop critical perspectives to re-examine beliefs and systems of oppression.

Support this department’s vital programs, groundbreaking research and essential training opportunities

HERstories: Celebrating Women’s Impact

Discover inspiring stories of leadership, resilience and legacy in UD’s inaugural women’s event series this spring. With five events, we’ll celebrate the remarkable women and women-focused initiatives in the UD community. Learn more and register here.

Refugee & Displaced Student Fund  

In the aftermath of the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021, UD created the Refugee & Displaced Student Fund to help women who fled their country of origin to earn college degrees in the United States. The program provides each scholar with a year of intensive education through UD’s English Language Institute followed by four years of academic study. Gifts in support of the fund provide living expenses for students who have no financial support from family.

Support students’ living expenses and educational dreams

Lerner Diversity Council

The Lerner Diversity Council (LDC) provides the opportunity to understand and appreciate the shared and unique background and talents that all students, staff, faculty and alumni offer. The LDC focuses on building community and college climate, transforming curricular and co-curricular activities and strengthening outreach and engagement, all with the central focus on diversity.

Support creating connections and fostering dialogues that support diversity and equity

UDREAM

UDREAM (“U” Develop Resources for Excellence in Academic Management) provides academic support services to Lerner undergraduate students through the Academic Coaching Program and Peer Mentoring Program.

Support first-generation college students and underrepresented minorities

Women in Engineering

Women in Engineering (WiE) supports and advocates for women engineers in academia and industry. The steering committee, comprising two graduate students from each department in the College of Engineering and two faculty advisors, organizes events for the UD engineering community with the goal of increasing gender equity in STEM and promoting a healthy, supportive environment for everyone.

Support gender equity in engineering

Women's Intercollegiate Sports Program

The Women’s Intercollegiate Sports Program fund supports all UD women’s varsity athletics programs. The fund helps cover the costs for training, equipment, nutrition, travel, academic and career-readiness resources and more, allowing our student-athletes to have an exceptional experience on their teams and across campus while preparing them for life after UD.

Support our athletes’ success and development

Women’s Leadership Initiative

The Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) advances gender equality in leadership. Through advocacy, education and research, WLI enables engagement and builds critical skills to support women and advance equity and inclusion. Their programs and events bring together students, faculty, alumni and community members to demonstrate the importance of empowering and supporting women.

Support diverse leadership that addresses our greatest challenges