Overview

Women Studies and Social Transformation Program (WSST) is one of the research centers of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina Academic Research Sector. It was established with an aim to focus on women studies and gender issues through the implementation of programs and activities that identify and advocate for policies that create a more supportive environment for women, promote gender equity and ensure inclusive practices by policy makers, thus becoming an incubator and an active promoter for change and the creation of conditions for constructive social transformation. Through its multidisciplinary approaches, the Program aims to monitor and study social changes and transformation of women within society to determine how it can influence and affect the future status of women, thus increasing people’s ability to understand women and gender issues.

The Program also emphasizes dialogue, brings people representing diverse views together and works to support efforts for building bridges on local, regional and international levels.

Activities and Programs

The core activity of Women Studies and Social Transformation Program (WSST) is to conduct research in several major areas of women, gender issues and social transformation across history. It houses its own data collection program. A range of quantitative and qualitative methods are used, and research projects follow a multi-method approach. Wide-range public opinion surveys, polls, research papers, scientific bulletins, articles, periodical newsletters amongst other publications are maintained under a comprehensive research program.

Seeking to expand its role on the national, regional and international levels, the Program places great emphasis on outreach and advocacy, undertaking a wide range of activities, including public lectures, conferences and seminars, hosting and facilitating workshops, organizing conferences and seminars, national awareness and community outreach programs that engage women and children amongst other groups of all ages, and other programs and activities that promote public awareness.

The Program also designs and implements awareness programs targeting audience of a wide range of backgrounds. Training materials are developed in-house, with continuous monitoring and evaluation to ensure that it enhances the capabilities of the trainees and contributes to capacity building of target population. Training of trainers, Internet-based workshops, youth forums and group discussions are also provided.

In addition, the Program aims at engaging in strategic partnerships with institutions, intergovernmental, and nongovernmental organizations worldwide thus building a strong network of partners.

Contact Us:

Women Studies and Social Transformation Program (WSST)

Academic and Research Sector

Library of Alexandria (Bibliotheca Alexandrina)

P.O. Box 138, Chatby 21526

Alexandria, EGYPT

Tel.:   +203 4839999

+203 4852639   

 +203 4853782

Fax:   +203 4820479

Email: wsst@bibalex.org