Edien Bartels

Edien Bartels is a Visiting Fellow in the Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. Her research focuses on Moroccan migrants in the Netherlands and Europe, gender issues, ethnic identity, and transcultural care. She explores topics such as female genital mutilation, forced marriage, and the impact of cultural practices on migrant communities. Bartels has supervised five PhD theses and contributed to interdisciplinary research programs like CERES and the Social and Cultural Anthropology department's initiatives.

Her work addresses critical themes including the legal and social challenges faced by Moroccan migrant women, the implications of consanguineous marriages, and the intersection of religion and cultural identity. She has engaged in editorial roles, lectures, and conferences, emphasizing applied research and policy relevance. Bartels’ research aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to gender equality, reduced inequalities, and quality education.

Notable contributions include studies on dependent stay and partner violence among Moroccan marriage migrants, perceptions of health among older migrants, and gendered forced migration dynamics. She integrates qualitative methods and collaborative frameworks to address complex socio-cultural issues in transnational contexts.