The Institute of Women, Gender and Development Studies began as Centre for Women, Child Research and Development in May 2010. In March 2012, the Senate changed the name to Centre for Women, Gender and Development Studies which was finally upgraded to the Institute of Women, Gender and Development Studies (IWoGDS).

The Institute is a leading centre of excellence and innovation in the areas of Women, Gender and Development Studies. It is a multidisciplinary academic and research unit which partners with Government institutions, NGOs and Corporate Bodies in the area of research, capacity building and knowledge driven advocacy.