Bila Sorj
Brazilian women's studies academic (born 1950)
Bila Sorj is a prominent Brazilian academic, born in 1950, who has made significant contributions to the field of women's studies. Her academic journey began with a stint in Israel, where she worked on a kibbutz and pursued her higher education at the University of Haifa, earning both her bachelor's and master's degrees. She later returned to Brazil in 1976 and started teaching sociology at the Federal University of Minas Gerais, laying the groundwork for incorporating women's studies into her work.
Sorj's research expertise lies in the intersection of employment and gender, with a focus on the impact of gender on both paid and unpaid labor. She has also explored the realm of Judaism in her academic pursuits. Her notable publication, "Israel terra em transe: democracia ou teocracia?", was recognized as a finalist for the prestigious Prêmio Jabuti in 2001. Currently, she serves as the coordinator of the Núcleo de Estudos de Sexualidade e Gênero at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, where she has been instrumental in shaping the field of gender studies in Brazil. Her work has been pivotal in establishing women's studies as a recognized academic discipline in the country.