CWD at ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education (IFHE) has been established as a Center of Excellence dedicated to advancing the cause of women empowerment, leadership, and development. Recognizing the vital role women play in shaping the future of society, CWD aims to be a driving force in promoting gender equity, nurturing talent, and addressing challenges faced by women across diverse spheres. The Center serves as a dynamic platform for academic inquiry, action-oriented research, advocacy, and community engagement focused on women-related issues.
The activities of CWD are thoughtfully designed to foster dialogue, awareness, and meaningful action. It regularly organizes national and international seminars, conclaves, conferences, workshops, and capacity-building programs that bring together academicians, researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, and civil society. The Center is committed to generating and disseminating knowledge through scholarly articles, edited volumes, and books. It also collaborates extensively with national and international women's organizations, government bodies, NGOs, industry stakeholders, and thought leaders to drive impactful initiatives aimed at empowering women in the campus, nearby communities, and society at large.
As a part of its knowledge dissemination and outreach efforts, CWD has launched 'Sobha' e-Newsletter that is releases quarterly, providing a vibrant platform for creative expression, thought leadership, research insights, and real-life stories centered on women's experiences. The e-Newsletter reflects the spirit and mission of CWD by curating contributions from students, faculty, alumni, and external experts. Till date 10 issues have been successfully published, each themed to reflect pressing gender topics and voices that inspire progress.

Key Initiatives of CWD at IFHE:

• Organizes national and international conferences, seminars, and conclaves on women-centric themes.


• Publishes research articles and books on women empowerment and development.


• Releases quarterly e-Newsletter featuring real stories, insights, and research on gender and development.


• Collaborates with NGOs, industry, government, and global organizations for awareness and action.


• Conducts awareness programs, workshops, and outreach activities in nearby villages and urban communities.


• Encourages student and faculty participation in gender-related projects, internships, and initiatives.


• Promotes policy advocacy and educational programs for women within the institution and beyond.

About The Centre for Women's Studies (CWS)

The Centre for Women's Studies (CWS), at the University of Hyderabad is an interdisciplinary Centre collaborating with faculty from different disciplines. The University of Hyderabad had a Women's Studies Cell established in 1984 alternatively located in the School of Social Sciences and School of Humanities. This Cell was upgraded to a Centre in June 2007. This statutory centre was a stand-alone Centre until it was affiliated to the School of Social Sciences in March, 2014. It offers a Ph.D. programme in Gender Studies and interdisciplinary core and optional courses at the UG and PG programmes of the University.