At a time when wars are multiplying exponentially across the world, this talk brings together two researchers with extensive experience of working with women in war-torn contexts and promoting peace. A feminist talk between Teresa Cunha (CES) and Sofia José Santos (CES)

Bio notes

Teresa Cunha holds a PhD in Sociology from the University of Coimbra, specialising in postcolonialisms and global citizenship. She was coordinating lecturer at the School of Education of the Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra since 2020, and a lecturer since 1980, until 2026.

Her research focuses on feminism and post-colonialisms, feminist economies, women’s human rights, peace, memory and post-war transitions. She has conducted post-doctoral research on feminist economies in Mozambique, South Africa and Brazil

Author of several books and scientific articles published internationally, she is also noted for her work as a trainer for the Council of Europe since 1993 and for coordinating non-formal education projects in various countries. She is the founder of the international collective Feminist Peasant Economies and is recognised for her feminist activism and the promotion of peace. In 2017, she was awarded the Order of Timor-Leste for her contributions to the country’s independence and peace.

Sofia José Santos is an Assistant Professor of International Relations at the Faculty of Economics, University of Coimbra, and a Researcher at the Centre for Social Studies. Holding a PhD in International Relations, she conducts research from a critical perspective on media and international politics, peace and violence, political communication, technopolitics, and masculinities.

She currently coordinates the UNCOVER project, is part of the PROTEST project and the COST Action PEACE network, and collaborates with OBSERVARE at the Autonomous University of Lisbon. Throughout her academic career, she has held coordinating roles in PhD and Master’s programmes, undertaken postdoctoral research, and worked as a researcher in international organisations.

Sofia José Santos is actively involved in academic networks and civic movements, and she collaborates with think tanks and NGOs. Her work has been published by leading national and international publishers and in scientific journals.