Women, Media, and Development (WMD)

Founded by Dr. Wafa Khalfan in December 2023, the Women’s Studies in Media and Development (WMD) research group stands at the forefront of interdisciplinary inquiry into the intersections of media representation, cultural narratives, global empowerment, and sustainable development, with a special focus on women in the Global South. Addressing the absence of dedicated women’s studies tracks in regional research landscapes, the group integrates perspectives from media and communication studies, sociology, political science, business, feminist theory, and international development to examine how women are portrayed in media and how these representations shape cultural norms and policy discourses.

Its mission is to empower women through knowledge, challenge stereotypes, and promote inclusive narratives aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals on gender equality and education. Functioning as a collaborative hub, WMD members work on joint interdisciplinary projects and publications. Beyond academia, the group advances media literacy, informs policy and advocacy, and cultivates community networks that foster equity, visibility, and social transformation across diverse cultural contexts.

This section will be regularly updated with information about members, publications, and new research initiatives.