Women's Studies became an important field of study in the early 1970s fuelled by the impetus of the explosion of second wave feminism. It has been influential across many disciplines and innovative in pioneering cross-disciplinary modes of inquiry that remain its characteristic methodology. Women's Studies continues to offer innovative and evolving perspectives, and original approaches to social and political problems.

It is widely recongnised that training in women's and gender studies is a great advantage in many areas of employment, given a continuing and growing concern with the advancement of women all around the world, and the need to give women employment opportunities and the ability to use their skills in a wide range of arenas. The informed understanding of issues of gender and inequality given by women's studies courses is a great asset in a wide range of professional areas, particularly in Non-Government organisations, business and management, various public institutions and development. The women's studies major offers both analytical and theoretical training and practical applications for gender research.