Dr. Bilge Sahin

Biography

Bilge Sahin is an Assistant Professor in Conflict and Peace Studies at the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS). Her academic work focuses on gender, armed conflict, and security. As a feminist researcher, she is committed to understanding the gendered and sexualized dynamics of conflict and peacebuilding, centering on the experiences and agency of women and LGBTQ+ individuals. Her research is informed by feminist security studies and post-structural theory, examining the fundamental role that gender and sexuality play in shaping war and security issues, including causes, consequences, and potential solutions. She specifically explores 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 everyday peace and security strategies. Sahin’s research also investigates the Women, Peace, Security Agenda, focusing on implementation challenges and potential for transforming power relations. With primary geographical expertise in East Africa and extensive fieldwork in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Kenya, she has deep knowledge of the Middle East, particularly Turkey. Sahin emphasizes participatory methodologies and collaboration with women's groups and civil society organizations, offering expertise in research and policy guidance related to gender, conflict, and security, and is eager to mentor students in collaborative projects to advance feminist peacebuilding.

Research Interests

Experience