Conducting gender and politics research increasingly requires researchers to navigate
challenging research environments shaped by political sensitivities, institutional barriers, and
ethical dilemmas. Drawing on my doctoral research on women, food insecurity, and informal
governance in India and Albania, this presentation uses the politics of access as a methodological
lens to reflect on how researchers navigate these challenges. Rather than presenting empirical
findings, it focuses on the research process itself and the methodological adaptations required
across diverse political contexts. The presentation explores three interconnected dimensions of conducting comparative gender research. First, it examines how access was negotiated with institutions, policymakers, NGOs, and expert communities when researching politically and socially sensitive issues. Second, it reflects on ethical considerations and researcher positionality, particularly the decision to prioritise expert interviews, policy analysis, and institutional perspectives when researching women experiencing food insecurity, while minimising potential harm to vulnerable participants. Third, it considers how conducting research in a post-colonial democracy (India) and a post-socialist democracy (Albania) required continuous methodological flexibility and sensitivity to differing political, institutional, and cultural contexts. By foregrounding my research experience, this presentation contributes to ongoing discussions
on conducting critical feminist research in challenging research environments. It argues that the
politics of access, methodological adaptation, and ethical reflexivity are not merely practical
considerations but integral to producing rigorous gender and politics research. The presentation
concludes by identifying methodological lessons that may support researchers navigating diverse
political and institutional contexts.
