CALL FOR ABSTRACTS TO VOLUME ONE, ISSUE 1

The Institute of Gender and Development Studies, Makerere University invites researchers, scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and graduate students to submit original manuscripts for the inaugural issue of the Makerere Gender and Development Journal (MGDJ). The theme of the inaugural issue is “Debates, contestations and advances in Gender and Development studies”

This inaugural issue of MGDJ will explore the evolving discussions surrounding gender equality and social justice within development theory and practice. Papers will also highlight how feminist scholars challenge traditional development models that often marginalize women and overlook gendered power relations. The theme further examine competing perspectives such as Women in Development (WID) and Gender and Development (GAD), while addressing issues like intersectionality, power, and policy implementation. It also emphasizes the diverse voices of feminists from the Global South who critique dominant Western approaches. Overall, the theme reflects ongoing efforts to advance inclusive development by questioning inequalities and promoting transformative gender-responsive policies and practices. Interdisciplinary and comparative studies are strongly encouraged.

The Makerere Gender and Development Journal (MGDJ) is a peer-reviewed academic journal dedicated to advancing scholarship and critical dialogue on several fronts of gender and development, including aspects of intersectionality, power structures in Uganda, Africa, and the Global South. The journal provides an interdisciplinary platform for innovative research that addresses contemporary gender issues and promotes inclusive and equitable development. The journal seeks to promote gender and development scholarship by publishing high quality, peer reviewed articles. The papers may be based on empirical research, secondary data analysis, discussion papers or reviews that make a contribution to understanding the nexus between gender and development.

1. Submission Process

Send your abstract for the inaugural issue, by 30th May 2026.
You should send submissions to email “journal.gds@mak.ac.ug with a copy to: ruth.nsibirano@mak.ac.ug and ahikirejosephine@gmail.com

The following submission steps are important

Submission Preparation: Ensure the manuscript matches the journal's scope and guidelines, including file formats, font sizes (e.g., 12-pt Times New Roman), and line spacing.

2. Editorial Policies

Authors: who seek to publish in the Makerere Gender and Development Journal must ensure that the work is original and has not been published, or is not under consideration for publication elsewhere simultaneously.

All submissions will be subjected to double blind, peer review process to ensure that the editorial process is fair, independent and confidential. The process will also guarantee quality and relevance of the submissions.

It is the corresponding authors responsibility to ensure that all co-authors approve the submission and that all credit is given and all works used properly cited.

AI Usage Policy: Use of AI tools (like ChatGPT) for writing will only be accepted to improve the language and readability of the paper and with the appropriate disclosure

Ethical Standards: Research must confirm with ethical guidelines, including ethical approval. Research involving human subjects must adhere to institutional and international ethical standards. A statement on informed consent should be included where relevant.

3. Contact and Support

If you have any questions, please contact the Journal Secretariat: email address is journal.gds@mak.ac.ug

4. Publication Details

Copyright and Licensing: Authors will retain copyright while granting the license to publish under a creative Commons Attribution license (CC). Authors will not be required to pay Article Processing Charges.

Types of Accepted Submissions

MGDJ accepts:

Original Empirical /Research Articles (employing qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods approaches)
Review Articles
Policy Analyses
Case Studies
Book Reviews
Research Notes
Commentaries and Perspectives

Length

Research Articles: 6,000–8,000 words (including references)
Review Articles: 5,000–7,000 words
Policy Briefs/Commentaries: 3,000–4,000 words
Book Reviews: 1,000–1,500 words

3. Formatting

Manuscripts must be submitted in Microsoft Word format.
Font: Times New Roman, 10pt for main text and 12pt for Headings
Line spacing: 1.5
Margins: 1 inch (2.54 cm) on all sides
Pages must be numbered.

4. Structure (Research Articles)

Title (concise and informative)
Abstract (150–200 words)
4–6 Keywords
Introduction
Methodology
Results/Findings
Discussion
Conclusion and Recommendations
References

5. Referencing Style

Use APA (7th edition) referencing style.
All citations must appear in the reference list and vice versa.

6. Tables and Figures

Must be clearly labeled and numbered.
Provide captions and indicate source where applicable.
Authors are responsible for obtaining copyright permissions.

8. Language

Manuscripts must be written in clear academic English.
Authors whose first language is not English are encouraged to seek professional editing before submission.

9. Important Dates

Please submit your abstract by 31st April2026
Notification of abstract Review Outcome will be made four weeks’ after submission
Submissions of full manuscripts should be received by 30th July 2026
Articles will be due for publication by December 2026

Manuscripts should be submitted electronically to the Editor in Chief of the Makerere Gender and development Journal at:

Email: journal.gds@mak.ac.ug and copy to ruth.nsibirano@mak.ac.ug and ahikirejosephine@gmail.com
Subject Line: “MGDJ Manuscript Submission – [Author’s Name]”

After abstract is accepted, submissions of full manuscripts must include:

Cover letter (including corresponding author’s contact details)
Full manuscript (anonymized for peer review)
Author biographical note (100–150 words per author)

Important Dates

Please submit your abstract by 31st May 2026
Review of submitted abstracts closes 29th June 2026
Notification of accepted abstract to be made 10th July 2026
Submissions of full manuscripts should be received by 30th August 2026
Articles will be due for publication by December 2026

Manuscripts should be submitted electronically to the Editor in Chief of the Makerere Gender and development Journal at:

Email: journal.gds@mak.ac.ug
Subject Line: “MGDJ Manuscript Submission – [Author’s Name]”

Benefits of publishing with MGDJ

Rigorous peer review process
Regional and international scholarly visibility
Contribution to transformative gender scholarship
Engagement with African-centered development discourse

For inquiries, please contact:
Chief Editor at Journal.gds@mak.ac.ug and copy to ruth.nsibirano@mak.ac.ug and ahikirejosephine@gmail.com

We look forward to receiving your manuscripts and advancing critical gender and development scholarship together.

Makerere Gender and Development Journal (MGDJ)
Makerere University