Using Language Strategically to Counter Anti-Gender Frames
In June 2026, I led a workshop titled Framing – kako koristiti jezik strateški i suprotstaviti se anti-rodnim diskursima (Framing – How to Use Language Strategically and Counter Anti-Gender Narratives). The one-day workshop formed part of the Akademija ravnopravnosti programme and brought together 17 political representatives from across Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Research and Community at ECPG 2026
In 2026, I participated in the European Conference on Politics and Gender (ECPG) in Newcastle, where I presented two papers: Crossing Ethnopolitical Boundaries? Anti-Gender Discourse and the Moralization of Political Belonging in Bosnia and Herzegovina and, together with Ayşe Dursun, Towards a Careless Democracy.
Anti-Gender Mobilisation in the Post-Yugoslav Space book presentation
On 9 April 2026, I participated in a public webinar organised by the Gender and Politics Research Network in South-East Europe (GenPolSEE) around the publication of the edited volume Anti-Gender Mobilizations in the Post-Yugoslav Space: Hidden Connections (Palgrave, 2026).
Bringing Scholars Together to Study Anti-Gender Mobilizations and Democratic Backsliding
In March 2026, I co-organised the international conference Anti-Gender Movements and Their Narratives at the University of Ljubljana together with Roman Kuhar. Building on the research relationships developed during my fellowship, the conference created an international forum for examining anti-gender mobilisation, its narratives and its implications for democratic change.
Anti-Gender Politics in Bosnia and Herzegovina: From Research to Conversation on Riječ na F
I am very happy to have been part of the podcast Rijec na F where I was interviewed on the rise of anti-gender movements in Bosnia and Herzegovina and beyond. The episode is availiable as are all other interesting episodes from this feminist podcast.
Where Research Meets Activism: Reflections from Pitchwise 2025
One of the most meaningful moments in this project was my participation in the PitchWise Festival in Sarajevo in September 2025. The festival brought together feminist and queer activists, representatives of women’s and LGBTIQ+ organisations, students, journalists and others working on or interested in gender equality in Bosnia and Herzegovina and across the region.
Fieldwork in times of Pride
June. Pride Month. I was very excited to attend the annual Pride in Sarajevo this year as part of my second field trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina. I had the opportunity to exchange views with people about their opinions and experiences regarding the rising anti-gender discourses in BiH and to demonstrate together with my friends from BiH for LGBTIQ+ rights.
Starting Fieldwork
Starting the fieldwork involved not only Zoom-calls with relevant actors but the first trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina in March 2025. The goal was to meet and interview relevant individuals from academia, activism, and NGOs to gain an understanding of the most important developments in gender equality, LGBTIQ+ rights, and general human rights issues. Both has been extremely helpful in gaining an initial understanding of the policy landscape and current challenges.
Preparing for Fieldwork and First Insights from the Context Analysis
During the past weeks, I have been moving towards the next phase of the project: the broader context analysis for Bosnia and Herzegovina. This part of the work focuses on mapping gender, sexuality, and family-related policies, and combines two main activities: reviewing secondary literature and speaking with experts who work directly on anti-discrimination and equality issues in BiH.
BiH and why is it important to look at the sub-state level
Although I often speak of Bosnia and Herzegovina, it is important to emphasise that, for analysing policies and political developments, one must consider the sub-state level.
Project launch and anti-gender on the rise in BiH
I am happy to have started started my MSCA project on Anti-Gender mobilisation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) in September. With this blog I want to share my research journey and give insights into my research process but also recent developments in BiH regarding gender and LGBTIQ+ issues.