AKIPRESS.COM - The Asia Foundation, with support from the Lotus Circle funds and the National University of Mongolia (NUM), has  collaborated  to launch the country's inaugural Gender Studies program to promote gender equality and advance women's rights in Mongolia.

The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two organizations marks a milestone for education and gender advocacy in Mongolia.

The MOU signing brought together key stakeholders from the National Committee on Gender Equality, NUM's Department of Anthropology and Archeology, and members of the Gender Studies Program task force.

The event highlights The Asia Foundation and NUM's dedication to advancing gender studies as an interdisciplinary field that can provide students from diverse backgrounds with a specialization in gender-related issues necessary to address gender disparities at all levels of society. 

 "This partnership between The Asia Foundation, Mongolia, and the National University of Mongolia signifies a significant stride towards gender equity. By launching Mongolia's first dedicated Gender Studies program, we are fostering a new generation of leaders and advocates who will champion gender equality across the country," country representative of The Asia Foundation Mark Koenig said.

President of the National University of Mongolia Badarch Dendev emphasized the program's importance, adding that this is a crucial step towards nurturing a more inclusive society. He expressed belief that this partnership will not only benefit NUM students but will also have a positive and lasting impact on Mongolia's development.

"Mongolia's commitment to gender equality continues to grow, and the launch of this Gender Studies program is a significant development that reflects the nation's determination to promote women's rights, challenge gender stereotypes, and create a more equitable society for all," secretariat and chief of the National Committee on Gender Equality Enkhbayar Tumur-Ulzii noted.

The program will commence in the 2023-2024 spring semester, with a diverse range of students expected to enroll and engage in courses from an academic and practical perspective. The Asia Foundation will support tuition fee scholarships for 20 students, contribute to the program's initial, and launch of research focusing on the care economy.