The African Gender and Development Initiative is an important initiative of the African Graduate School of Management and Leadership because the school realizes that gender equity and the empowerment of women is an important pre-condition for Africa's sustainable growth and development. It is equally essential if Africa is to attain its Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Research and programmes at the school under this initiative will contribute to sustainable methods to eradicate gender-based violence, promote girl-child education, women in leadership skills, and women empowerment. The initiative will also look for ways to address deeply entrenched cultural attitudes, values and practices towards women.
The African Gender and Development Initiatives at the African Graduate School of Management and Leadership will bring scholars from around the world to undertake research and disseminate findings of such research to enhance gender empowerment efforts on the continent.
Their research will also inform the content and new courses that will be developed at the school to teach policy makers, entrepreneurs, business leaders as well as private and public sector employees to enhance their skills in the arena of gender equity and empowerment to contribute to Africa's growth and development efforts.