Strengthening gender research and analysis is one of the key mandates of CODESRIA. The Council’s Gender research programme dates back to 1983 and has developed since then into one of the flagships of the organisation, backed up by a training programme, the various fellowships awarded by the Council, and the publications activities which are undertaken. The Gender Programme, as a core CODESRIA activity, is both mainstreamed into all aspects of the Council’s work and also given a special status designed to ensure the visibility of gender analysis and research beyond the mainstream. Within the Secretariat, a Gender Co-ordinating Unit has been established under the leadership of the Executive Secretary. The Unit is responsible for monitoring and co-ordinating all of the gender programmes housed in the different departments of the Council.