dr. B (Bilge) Sahin

Biography

I am an Assistant Professor in Conflict and Peace Studies at International Institute of Social Studies (ISS). My academic work focuses on gender, armed conflict, and security. As a feminist researcher, I am committed to understanding the gendered and sexualized dynamics of conflict and peacebuilding, centring the experiences and agency of women and LGBTQ+ individuals. My work, informed by feminist security studies and post-structural theory, examines the fundamental role of gender and sexuality in shaping war, its causes, consequences, and potential solutions. I specifically examine the complexities of international interventions addressing sexual and gender-based violence and gender justice, analyzing the gap between policy and practice while highlighting the agency of women's groups and civil society organizations in shaping peacebuilding strategies. My research also explores the complexities of the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda, analyzing its implementation challenges and its potential for transforming power relations. With primary geographical expertise in East Africa, including extensive fieldwork in the eastern DRC, Rwanda, and Kenya, and deep knowledge of the Middle East and North Africa, particularly Turkey, my research emphasizes participatory methodologies and collaboration with women's groups and civil society organizations. I offer expertise in research, analysis, and policy guidance related to gender, conflict, and security, and I am eager to mentor students and collaborate on projects that advance feminist peacebuilding.

I received my PhD from SOAS University of London (UK), Department of Development Studies in 2019. Before joining the ISS, I worked as an Assistant Professor at Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University (Turkey), a Research Associate at SOAS University of London (UK), and a Visiting Lecturer at the Social Science University of Ankara (Turkey).