Gender profoundly affects a person's lived experience. From educational and career opportunities to access to food and other basic resources to what is considered appropriate behavior and dress, gender structures societies around the world. In a global context, that structure has often worked to disadvantage women. The Global Women's Studies Program offers an interdisciplinary minor for students who want to gain an in-depth understanding of the ways in which gender plays a critical role in the lives of women and men. Global Women's Studies courses examine the cultural and social construction of gender, explore the history, experiences and contributions of women to society, and study the influences of gender on the lived-experiences of people and communities around the globe.