The Asia Foundation and National University of Mongolia Launch First Gender Studies Program

Ulaanbaatar, October 4, 2023 — In a significant move to promote gender equality and advance women’s rights in Mongolia, 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. 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. 

Mark Koenig, country representative of The Asia Foundation, Mongolia, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “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.” 

Badarch Dendev, president of the National University of Mongolia, emphasized the importance of the program, saying, “The National University of Mongolia is proud to incorporate Gender Studies into our curriculum, and this is a crucial step towards nurturing a more inclusive society. We believe that this partnership will not only benefit our students but will also have a positive and lasting impact on Mongolia’s development.” 

Enkhbayar Tumur-Ulzii, secretariat and chief of the National Committee on Gender Equality, concluded, “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.”  

From left to right: The Asia Foundation Country Representative in Mongolia, Mark Koenig, National University of Mongolia President Badarch Dendev, and the National Committee on Gender Equality Secretariat and Chief Enkhbayar Tumur-Ulzii.

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.  

The Asia Foundation is a nonprofit international development organization committed to improving lives and expanding opportunities throughout Asia and the Pacific. Informed by decades of experience and deep local expertise, our work is focused on governance, women’s empowerment and gender equality, inclusive economic growth, environment and climate action, and regional and international relations. The Foundation works in over 20 countries through 18 offices across Asia and the Pacific. 

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