Research Interests
Kaja Borchgrevink takes an interest in religion and development, the politics of aid, and everyday religion among Muslims in Norway - often with a focus on gender and transnational perspectives.
Kaja is currently leading the HUMA-project, researching Muslim humanitarian actors' approaches to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
She has recently completed the project 'Financial Exclusion, Islamic Finance and Housing in the Nordic Countries' (FINEX).
In her doctoral research Kaja investigated the relationship between private Islamic charity and poverty reduction practices in the context of Pakistan and the Pakistani diaspora in Oslo, Norway.
Kaja has studied religious education in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and the transnational connections between religious seminaries (madrasas) in the two countries. Earlier research also includes studies of the relationship between civil society and peace building in Afghanistan with a focus on religious groups and networks.
Kaja Borchgrevink has a background from Development Studies and practical development work in South Asia.
Background
Work experience:
2017: Senior Researcher, Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO)
2006 - 2016 Researcher, Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO)
2004 – 2005: Programme Grant Officer, Aga Khan Foundation – Afghanistan
2003 – 2004: Programme Officer, Small Grants Programme Unit, UNDP Pakistan
2001– 2003: Programme Officer, Sustainable Livelihoods Unit, UNDP Pakistan
2001: Intern, Orangi Pilot Project Research an Training Institute (OPP-RTI), Pakistan
Education:
2017: PhD Development Studies, Norwegian University of Life Sciences
2000: MSc Development Studies, School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, UK.
1999: Cand. mag. in Hindi-Urdu language studies, History of Religion, South Asia Studies and International Human Rights, University of Oslo.
Languages spoken:
English (proficient)
Hindi and Urdu (conversational)
Norwegian (native)
Blog Posts
Buying a home is the biggest financial investment most people will ever make and usually involves taking out a loan. A mortgage is the usual solution, but it’s not for everyone. Lack of financial resources is the most common reason for not taking out a loan. But for some people, ... Read more »
Muslims have just celebrated Eid al-Fitr, the festival that marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting. The month of fasting, which is demanding in itself, has been even harder this year with the current social distancing requirements. Usually the high point of each day would be gathering with ... Read more »
This piece is part of our blog series Beyond the COVID Curve. COVID-19 has quickly changed everything from our daily routines, to the policies of governments, to the fortunes of the global economy. How will it continue to shape society and the conditions for peace and conflict globally in the ... Read more »
Today is Eid, the Muslim festival that marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting. Families and friends will gather today to enjoy good food and each other’s company. Many Norwegian Muslim children look forward to celebrating Eid, and for many people the social aspects are just as important ... Read more »
Muslims all over the world are celebrating Eid-ul-Adha, the ‘festival of sacrifice’ or the Greater Eid. The other Eid, Eid-ul-Fitr is the festival which marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting. This is when many Muslims pay their annual zakat – a religious tax equivalent to 2.5 percent ... Read more »
Now that Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting, is ending, most Muslims – in Oslo, as elsewhere in the world – celebrate the festival of Eid. It is a time for celebration. For many Muslims, it is also a time to help those less well-off than themselves, either through the ... Read more »
In general, religious actors are not perceived as possible contributors to civil society. In Afghanistan, where religion permeates society and politics, and where religious leaders and networks bear considerable influence, this is particularly problematic. There is a need for a thorough rethink of what civil society is, and the role ... Read more »
While a small number of young Norwegian Muslims have travelled to Syria to join militant groups as “foreign fighters”, far greater numbers of young Muslims are supporting humanitarian efforts. Most media attention is focused on young people travelling abroad to fight, rather than on young people’s humanitarian work. Throughout the ... Read more »
Fasting and celebration At this time Muslims all over the world are celebrating Eid – Islam’s most important religious festival. Eid marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting. After the Eid prayer, families and friends gather to celebrate. This is a time for dressing in fine clothing, eating ... Read more »
Muslims pay 15 times more “religious tax” than the rest of the world gives in humanitarian aid. Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, has just started. A time of fasting for devout Muslims, this is also the time of year when most Muslims pay their annual zakat. Zakat ... Read more »