Decolonising Knowledge Production in Kurdish Gender Studies: Epistemic Hierarchies and Feminist Reflexivity

Abstract (English)

The evolution of Kurdish Gender Studies (KGS) has been deeply shaped by colonial conditions in Kurdistan and the dominance of Western epistemologies in knowledge production. This paper critically examines the emergence of the Kurdish Gender Studies Network (KGSN) as a site of intellectual solidarity and resistance against epistemic hierarchies. By reflecting on my four decades of engagement with KGS and the establishment of KGSN, I explore the challenges of decolonising gendered knowledge and creating alternative spaces for feminist and queer scholars.
The expansion of KGS beyond state-imposed national contexts has been driven by increased global visibility, particularly following the Rojava Revolution. Through feminist standpoint theory and decolonial methodologies, this paper interrogates the role of researcher positionality, methodological choices, and engagement with local and transnational feminist movements. It highlights how these approaches challenge dominant frameworks of knowledge production while fostering critical perspectives on gender, power, and resistance within Kurdish studies.
By engaging with the broader themes of feminist epistemologies, political legitimacy, and transnational activism, this paper contributes to ongoing discussions on decolonial feminist methodologies in politically contested spaces. It argues that the struggles of Kurdish women—against both colonial oppression and internal patriarchal structures—have been central to reshaping knowledge production in the field. Ultimately, this paper situates KGS within the broader landscape of decolonial feminist scholarship, offering insights into how alternative knowledge spaces can disrupt hegemonic narratives and advance epistemic justice.