Mia Strubel Iram ’25 explores feminist movements in Kosovo with political science professor Summer Forester

Last summer, Mia Strubel Iram ’25 traveled to the post-conflict landscape of Kosovo to conduct a unique research project under the guidance of Summer Forester, assistant professor of political science. Their research, funded by Ethical Inquiry at Carleton (EthIC), aims to examine the complex relationship between conflict and feminist mobilization in Kosovo. Through a combination of face-to-face interviews with women’s rights practitioners and activists, and a collection of primary resources such as pamphlets and newspapers, Forester and Strubel Iram hope to shed new light on the feminist movement in a country that has been rebuilding since its independence from Serbia in 2008.

At the heart of the research is a question that has both academic and real-world implications: How does conflict influence feminist movements? 

“We’re looking at how feminist mobilization is impacted by the post-conflict setting in Kosovo,” said Strubel Iram, who is majoring in political science and international relations, with minors in European studies and Middle East studies. “We’ve been speaking to different women involved in non-governmental organizations (NGOs), independent organizations, the U.S. Aid program, and even the Kosovo government.”

The inspiration for this project came from a feminist security studies course Strubel Iram took with Forester, as well as her own interest in Kosovo’s nationalistic history, which she encountered through her Carleton off-campus study program, (Beyond) Nationalism and Xenophobia in Eastern and Central Europe, led by Mihaela Czobor-Lupp, associate professor of political science. This academic background, combined with Strubel Iram’s curiosity and commitment to understanding the nuances of feminist movements in post-conflict settings, made Kosovo an ideal case study.

For Forester, this research is a natural extension of her broader work on how conflict impacts feminist organizations and movements.

“There’s a messy relationship between conflict and feminism,” Forester said. “Sometimes conflict can open up opportunities, but there’s also a dark side. Women are often uniquely targeted in war, particularly through sexual violence. We want to refine our understanding of how conflict influences feminist groups and whether it creates dangerous conditions for them.”

This research project represents a unique collaboration between a faculty member and a student, with Strubel Iram taking on the role of field researcher. Together, Strubel Iram and Forester aim to co-author a paper and present it at the Midwest Political Science Association conference in April 2025. Working together has been a rewarding experience for both.

“Mia doesn’t come to the table with the set ideas that my colleagues and I might have, which makes her questions fresh and exciting,” said Forester. “She brings a deep curiosity to this project, which has been deeply rewarding for me as a mentor. Her perspective has pushed us to think in new ways.”

For Strubel Iram, the guidance of an experienced mentor like Forester has been invaluable.

“I wouldn’t have been able to approach this project without Summer’s expertise,” said Strubel Iram. “She’s taught me everything about the research process — from navigating the Institutional Review Board (IRB) process to learning how to conduct interviews and work with a translator. It’s been an awesome learning experience.”

Strubel Iram’s fieldwork in Kosovo has been a key component of the project. With the help of Qika, a local NGO, and an internship with Isla Internships Abroad, Strubel Iram was able to secure interviews with a variety of women’s rights practitioners, activists, and organizations. These interviews provided valuable insights into the state of the feminist movement in Kosovo.

“There were definitely moments where I got really excited about the work,” Strubel Iram said. “Hearing interviewees reflect on the future of feminism in Kosovo and the challenges they still face was incredibly inspiring.”

Strubel Iram’s interviews revealed both optimism and frustration within Kosovo’s feminist movement. While some activists emphasized the progress Kosovo has made — especially in creating a modern constitution that includes protections for women’s rights — others highlighted ongoing challenges, such as gender-based violence and labor laws that still disadvantage women.

As Strubel Iram and Forester prepare to co-author their paper, they are reflecting on the broader implications of their research. The preliminary findings suggest that post-conflict environments like Kosovo can foster stronger feminist movements, but they also highlight the ongoing challenges women face in such contexts — particularly around issues of trauma, compensation, and the enduring legacies of traditional gender norms.

For both Strubel Iram and Forester, this research represents a step forward in understanding the complexities of feminist movements in post-conflict environments. It is also a testament to the power of mentorship and collaboration, showing how Carleton students and faculty can work together to create new knowledge and contribute to important conversations in political science.