Neda Hajivosough
I am a Political Scientist, educator, and researcher whose work centers on women, peace, social development, and gender dynamics. My academic and professional journey has been shaped by a deep commitment to exploring the intersections of gender, social justice, and social transformation.
Throughout my career, I have worked across academic, research, and policy-oriented spaces, integrating scholarly inquiry with real-world social issues. My experiences in teaching, research, organizational leadership, and social consulting have allowed me to engage with complex societal challenges through both analytical and human-centered perspectives.
Being Iranian is a defining element of my intellectual and professional identity. Having lived and worked extensively in Iran has provided me with a deeply contextual understanding of women's lived experiences, social challenges, and resilience. This perspective continues to inform my academic and research work.
My current academic presence in the United States, including my role as a Visiting Professor & Scholar at Rowan University, provides a meaningful platform to engage more openly in advancing dialogue, awareness, and knowledge related to women’s empowerment, social peace, and gender dynamics. At the same time, it enables me to contribute to fostering a more nuanced and informed global understanding of the realities, complexities, and social contexts shaping the lives of women in Iran.
I remain committed to promoting critical dialogue, strengthening gender awareness, and contributing to conversations that support social justice, inclusive development, and sustainable peace.
• Ph.D. in Political Science
Visiting Professor & Scholar, Rowan University
Editorial Board Member, Journal of Development Discourse
Former Director, Women and Peace Group – Iranian Peace Studies Scientific Association
Social Policy & Women’s Affairs Consultant
University Lecturer in Women’s Studies & Political Sociology
CITI Certified (Social & Behavioral Research)
• Ph.D., Political Science
• Certificate of Appreciation for contributions to Social Justice discourse
Recognitions for leadership in Women and Peace initiatives
Honors from academic and civil society organizations for advancing gender awareness
Invited speaker at international academic forums
• Member, Hollybush Institute for Global Peace and Security
Member, Women’s Alliance Network – Rowan University
Member, The Women Foreign Policy Group
• Leadership in Women and Peace Initiatives
Gender Equality and Awareness Programs
Community Dialogues on Women’s Rights
Social Peace and Gender Initiatives
Intercultural Dialogue Activities
Women’s Empowerment Efforts
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience, critical thinking, and a strong sense of purpose. My journey has been shaped by the willingness to navigate complexity, embrace challenges, and remain committed to work that carries intellectual and social significance.
Curiosity, adaptability, and a continuous drive for learning have played a central role in my growth. I have always believed that success is not defined solely by achievements, but by the ability to create meaningful impact, foster dialogue, and contribute to broader understanding.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the most valuable pieces of advice I received was to never measure success solely by immediate outcomes, but by the consistency of purpose and the integrity of the work itself.
This guidance taught me to embrace complexity, remain patient with progress, and stay focused on creating meaningful contributions rather than pursuing short-term validation.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women to remain intellectually curious, confident in their voice, and patient with their growth. Meaningful careers are rarely linear, and challenges should be seen not as barriers, but as part of the process of developing resilience, depth, and clarity.
It is important to invest in knowledge, critical thinking, and self-awareness. Equally vital is the courage to engage with complex questions, embrace uncertainty, and define success on one’s own terms rather than through external expectations.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
A major challenge in the field of gender and social development is addressing the gap between visibility and transformation. While discussions around women’s rights and gender equality are more prominent than ever, translating awareness into sustainable social and institutional change remains a complex process.
However, this moment also offers remarkable opportunities. Increased global dialogue, academic collaboration, and intercultural exchange are enabling more informed, context-sensitive approaches to understanding gender dynamics. This evolving landscape creates space for more impactful research, policy engagement, and social innovation.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
At the core of my work and personal life are integrity, curiosity, and responsibility. I value intellectual honesty, ethical engagement, and the commitment to work that carries both depth and social relevance.
I also place great importance on empathy, respect, and lifelong learning. I believe that meaningful impact emerges from understanding complexity, embracing dialogue, and remaining open to evolving perspectives.
