Dr Sonja M. Marzi

• Assistant Professor Cultural Anthropology and Development Studies, Radboud Social Cultural Research, Radboud Univers
• Advisory Board Member

Sonja is an urban and development geographer. In her research she draws on feminist, anti-racist and post-colonial theories and pushes the boundaries of collaboration and (remote) participatory research designs, focusing on (re)conceptualising gendered urban challenges in Colombia.

Building on cutting-edge ways of using audio-visual digital methods (e.g., film and video), Sonja co-produces knowledge on gendered urban inequalities with displaced women in Medellín and Bogotá. In particular she contributes to new understandings about women’s resistance to multiple forms of violence, activism and their negotiation of their urban futures in contexts and times of crisis. Additionally, she aims to improve our knowledge and understanding about the spatial inequalities within urban space and how women and young people can enhance their social conditions in cities. She particularly focuses on how insecurity, socio-spatial mobility and the built environment reinforce urban challenges and inequalities.

Methodologically Sonja is a participatory (action) researcher and co-produces knowledge with her participants. She combines traditional qualitative research methods (interviews, focus groups and observations) with participatory (visual) methods such as mapping, guided tours, filming and photography.