Alina Potts

Alina is a Research Scientist at the Global Women’s Institute at George Washington University. Alina undertakes feminist participatory action research with women and girls in refugee settings, aimed at mitigating the risk of sexual exploitation and abuse in the way aid is distributed. She previously coordinated violence prevention research at UNICEF, including examining the intersection of violence against women and children in emergencies. As an aid worker with the International Rescue Committee, Alina led gender-based violence in emergencies (GBViE) programming in Cox’s Bazar, Lebanon, Syria, DR Congo, Dadaab and Darfur. Her experience in forced migration extends to refugee resettlement in the US; asylum advocacy in Europe; and addressing grave violations in conflict. She is actively involved in training and teaching the next generation of GBViE responders and researchers.