The programme’s overall objectives are to strengthen gender research as a separate field of knowledge and to generate more knowledge about gender and gender equality issues. To achieve these objectives the programme will encourage activities that:

• foster theoretical reflection;
• heighten the social relevance of gender research;
• strengthen gender-relevant research in the areas of employment and economics; the public sphere, culture and aesthetics; rights and politics; cohabitation and relationships;
• strengthen multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research;
• promote long-term development of expertise in the field;
• enhance dissemination of the results of gender research;
• promote the internationalisation of Norwegian gender research.

The programme’s budget is expected to total NOK 56 million for the 2008-2012 programme period.