WCIU offers Global Women's Empowerment courses as an area of focus in our M.A. in Development Studies.

This course introduces women leaders who have contributed to the holistic transformation of the world. Using a biographical historical approach, students will survey women leaders from the first century through the present. They will consider the impact of marriage and singleness and analyze case studies focusing on the interplay of culture, politics, and religion on gender equity. Finally, they will critique the 2030 UN Agenda for Sustainable Development and potential effects on the next generation of girls. The course culminates with students presenting final projects in areas of interest. 

This course seeks to establish a biblical and theological basis for women and men leading and using their gifts to enhance societal development, including their religious community.  Students will participate in close textual analysis, which is helpful in communities that derive principles and practices of faith from sacred texts. Special consideration will be given to the impact of women and men’s partnership in advancing God’s reign.

A close-knit global cohort of women, under a faculty mentor as spiritual director, will examine our human spiritual needs in connection to the Holy Spirit and Triune God, building habits, including rest, silence and retreats, that nurture our souls. At a masters level this engages conversation between multicultural identities, spiritual practices and faith traditions, sharing in how to develop self-care, so as to thrive long-term in transformative leadership of family, community and nations.