The main thrust of KANITA is to achieve excellence in the field of research on women and gender in the development process. KANITA is a research centre set up by the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). While our associates comprise mainly of full-time academic staff of USM, KANITA also welcomes the participation of a large number of concerned scholars and social activists who are not necessarily university-based into its activities. KANITA is also committed to offering high quality graduate studies in the field of gender studies. It welcomes all enquiries and suitably qualified applicants into its graduate programme. This website will strive to provide most of the information on the centre, its work, profile of associates, requirements for graduate applications, publications, research notes, and seminar series, talks and discussions that are held under the centre’s auspices.

VISION
Transforming society towards gender equality and social justice.

MISSION
As a Centre of Excellence, KANITA is committed to research, transfer of knowledge, advocacy and community engagement utilising and promoting a gender and social equality framework. It strives to impact in the academe, the state, women and the society at large.

THRUST AREAS

1. Health

2. Policy and Law

3. Sustainable Development

4. Leadership and Governance

OBJECTIVES

1. To intensify the impact and significance of KANITA as a centre of reference concerning research on women's and gender issues for the academe, state and society in Malaysia and the region.

2. To conduct inter and trans-disciplinary research in critical areas of women's and gender issues and to utilise the findings to advocate for social transformation.

3. To produce publications which stimulate intellectual and public discourse on women's and gender issues.

4. To develop graduate programmes of international standing in the field of women's and gender studies.

5. To initiate and engage in intellectual, advocacy and community related activities through diverse communication strategies.

6. To lead in the development of an accessible women's and gender issues data bank and resource centre.

	Prof. Datin Rashidah Shuib, Professor and Director Women’s Development Research Centre (KANITA) rashidahshuib@usm.my