Thelma from Malawi studies Gendering Practices: “We live and breathe gender”

Gendering Practices is one of the international master programmes given at the Faculty of Humanities, attended by students from across the world. The experience of moving across the globe from the south of Africa to the Nordic countries was however not a brand new one for Thelma Kaliu from Malawi, who had previously pursued International Development along with International Gender studies in Iceland. Looking to fulfil a master’s degree in Gender studies, Sweden’s ranking in terms of gender equality and Gothenburg’s position as a leading sustainable destination caught her interest. Researching available educations in gender studies, the title of the programme piqued her curiosity.

Gendering Practices.

The immediate impression that the programme had the potential to move beyond policy, beyond established theories, deconstructing social norms, introducing students to new and different lines of thought.

As her second semester is about to commence, that impression has been confirmed, she feels.   

– The contents of the courses are beyond what I expected, I feel quite challenged – in a positive sense. The interaction is more reflexive than I had anticipated, you are able to learn more about yourself as an individual researcher. We touch upon identity politics that make you question power relations existing even within yourself.

How have you adjusted to studying in Gothenburg and Sweden?

– Gothenburg really sets the standard in terms of equality and sustainability. The city is accessible, for example for people with disabilities, and the magnitude of feminist leadership is so impressive and motivating.

Similarly, she feels the infrastructure and networks in place at the university provide good conditions for each student to thrive. Thelma has enrolled as a student ambassador, aiming make life as a student more meaningful both for herself and others. And then there is the library…

– I’ve been across all libraries in town. But I am amazed by Kvinnsam, the national resource library for gender studies at the Humanities library, I frequently go there to study.

In the classroom, two aspects really stand out to her. Informality and diversity.

– It feels modest, she stresses. You could almost mistake a student for a teacher and doing so would not be a big deal. It is so easy to connect with teachers, there is the sense that accolades are of lesser importance. There is a natural both inflow and outflow of connections.

She continues:

– And there is such diversity in the classroom. Having students from all over world, ideas translate differently depending on the various knowledge that each individual hold, still they cut across. And we are able to apply the theories that we learn on a number of different contexts.

Also, Thelma has noticed how her skills both in communication and academic writing has improved over the course of the term.

– We are constantly strengthening conversational skills. This, along with the focus on enhanced academic writing proficiency, also facilitates the way in which we are able to connect theory to practice. Presenting arguments becomes much more straightforward, Thelma underlines.

Thelma illustrates the way in which taking Gendering Practices makes her part of a constant learning process. Contemplating her career post-graduation, ideas have been alternating as the programme proceeds, as she is introduced to new courses and topics within gender studies.

– I’m open to pursuing a PhD career and look into feminist perspectives in a Malawian context, but I would also be considering returning to the practical field continuing working within international development, she says.

Pursuing Gender studies will be crucial

Thelma is devoted to work to combat global climate issues, while calling for further adoption of feminist approaches in the area. Gender studies will be crucial. There are aspects that most policies fail to consider, she points out, giving examples from her home country. Ways in which gender roles limit women to domestic chores, even in the cases of a looming natural disaster. Instead, they should form a more active part in the process of economic policymaking. Thelma wants to look for the missing pieces that make up the puzzle. Make way for additional perspectives.

Whatever her next step may be, Thelma is convinced the outcome of the programme will create a solid foundation for her continued career.

– I want to reach to out to international students to consider this programme, she adds. Especially if you come from a minority. Because here we are beyond binaries. You become aware of the amount of power you have in yourself, to challenge every power discourse you are presented with.

For anyone applying pondering how to approach a post-graduate career, Thelma gives an encouraging remark:

– Do not worry about career options after the programme, especially in this present day of innovation and sustainability. The critical thinking, and global perspectives you gain can allow different perspectives needed to contribute to a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future across various academic and research sectors, she says.

And with a new group of students traversing the globe to study in Gothenburg next autumn, Thelma has already spread the word about Gendering Practices:

– I am really fond of this place and fond of my class. I have reached out to two Malawian peers who are going to apply for the programme. It takes intention, it takes commitment to pursue a master’s degree, you unlearn and relearn so many ideas that you had before. But we live and breathe gender in all aspects of our lives, so why not study it?

Text: Erik Pedersen

More information

Read more about the Gendering Practices master’s programme on GU.se.