Gily Coene

Gily Coene is a Professor in the Department of Gender Studies within the Faculty of Arts and Philosophy at Vrije Universiteit Brussel. Coene is affiliated with multiple research centers including the Brussels Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Migration and Minorities, Center for Ethics and Humanism, and the Expertise Center Gender, Diversity and Intersectionality. With an extensive research portfolio spanning over two decades, Coene has contributed significantly to interdisciplinary gender research with international collaborations across Africa and Europe.

• ORCID: 0000-0002-8158-0718
• Address: Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium

Coene's research interests focus on gender studies, sexual and reproductive health, intersectionality, and multiculturalism, with particular attention to contexts in Uganda, Belgium, Gambia, and Mozambique. The research employs qualitative methodologies to explore complex issues at the intersection of gender, migration, and health. Recent work examines sexual violence in urban settings, reproductive technologies, and cultural perspectives on gender roles across different societies.

The publication record demonstrates consistent scholarly output with 177 research outputs including 91 articles, 41 book chapters, and 12 books. Current research projects (38 total) include major initiatives funded by FWO (Research Foundation-Flanders) examining sexual well-being in the digital age, feminist perspectives on courage, intersectional analyses of sexual violence, and ethical considerations in medical procedures. These projects run through 2028, indicating active ongoing research.

• Sexual Health (66%)
• Reproductive Health (62%)
• Belgium Studies (49%)
• Uganda Research (100%)

Coene actively participates in academic mentoring, having supervised 99 theses and master's projects, and serves on PhD committees. The academic leadership extends to organizing public lectures and debates through the RHEA Gender Lecture Series, focusing on contemporary issues including decolonial feminism and gender politics. This engagement demonstrates commitment to translating academic research into public discourse and policy discussions.

Research activities include extensive collaboration with institutions across Africa, particularly in Uganda, Gambia, and Mozambique, reflecting a strong international dimension to the work. The fingerprint analysis of research output shows distinctive expertise in sexual health, reproductive health, and intersectional approaches to gender studies with applications in both European and African contexts.