Ishret Wahid

Ishret Binte Wahid is a PhD candidate in the Department of Development Studies at SOAS University of London. Her doctoral research focuses on the transnational flows of social remittances and sexual norms between Bangladesh and the United Arab Emirates, and how these dynamics reshape masculinities among Bangladeshi male labour migrants. 

Through a qualitative lens, her work explores the intersections of migration, masculinities, and sexualities, contributing to critical debates on gender and mobility in South–South migration contexts.  Ishret brings over a decade of professional experience in the gender and development sector in Bangladesh. She holds an MSc in Development Studies from the London School of Economics and Political Science and an MSS in Women and Gender Studies from the University of Dhaka. Her expertise spans gender, livelihood, financial inclusion, youth employment, and knowledge management. She has designed and led numerous qualitative and mixed-methods studies addressing women’s economic empowerment, gendered dimensions of financial services, youth employability, migration, masculinities, sexualities, and digital safety for women. Several of these studies have informed national-level policy discussions in Bangladesh.  

Ishret has also conceptualized and implemented development programs that challenge gender stereotypes and foster structural transformation. She is experienced in delivering training on gender equality, women’s empowerment, program design, and change management. Her academic work includes two published papers on gendered perspectives of international migration and participatory decision-making in development. She has presented her research at international conferences on labour migration, gender, women’s empowerment, and research methodology. Her academic and professional trajectory reflects a sustained commitment to advancing gender justice and inclusive development through grounded, context-sensitive research and practice.

• Labour migration and social remittances, 
• Masculinities, sexualities, 
• Food security, 
• Youth employment, 
• Gender mainstreaming, and data quality.