The Centre for Gender Studies (CGSUK) at the University of Kelaniya is an interdisciplinary hub dedicated to promoting gender equality and equity through research, education, and community engagement. Drawing membership from across the university and reporting directly to the Vice Chancellor, the Centre provides a focus for gender-related research, teaching, and consciousness-raising both on campus and in the wider community.

With a welcoming and inclusive ethos, CGSUK serves as a platform for students, faculty, researchers, and the public to collaborate in understanding and addressing gender-related challenges.

Key initiatives: The Centre spearheads a range of programs to fulfill its mission. It conducts high-quality research on pressing gender issues and offers educational and training programs on gender studies and gender mainstreaming (with plans to offer postgraduate diplomas and degrees in the future).

CGSUK also maintains a cutting-edge resource centre, continually updating its library and databases on gender studies to serve students, staff, and scholars.

The Centre actively engages the university and broader community through workshops, seminars, and flagship events. Notably, it hosts the International Conference on Gender Disparities, a forum that attracts local and international scholars to share research on all aspects of gender equity. Through partnerships with university faculties and external organizations, the Centre extends its impact beyond campus – for example, teaming up with the Foundation for Innovative Social Development to host public programs for International Women’s Day. These efforts underscore CGSUK’s commitment to fostering an informed, inclusive academic environment and advancing gender justice in society.