Dr. Irina Kosterina

Sociologist, gender studies researcher

Expert on gender equality, civil society, and activism in Russia. Served as an associate professor at the Higher School of Economics, teaching public policy and gender studies. For 13 years, coordinated the Democracy and Gender program at the Heinrich Böll Foundation in Moscow, focusing on women’s rights and social change. Research interests include gender dynamics, activism, and the North Caucasus. Holds a PhD in Sociology. Author of studies on gender equality and modernization in post-Soviet societies.