- Loss and Damage Research Observatory
- Loss and Damage Research Observatory
Senior Associate, Responsible Development
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
Centre for African and Eurasian Studies, University of Mumbai, India
Areas of Expertise:
Nature of engagement:
Overview
As a social scientist, I conduct social & environmental impact assessments that blend fieldwork with intensive research. I have published on climate migration, social protection, & gender violence. I've been invited to speak at international conferences, such as the International School on Climate Mobilities (ISCM) SOAS, UK. Currently I'm establishing a research hub to foster collaboration on climate change research. I've led workshops on resilience-building, flood relief shelters & livelihood support for marginalized women & communities. Additionally, I have designed UNICEF’s gender & equity action framework. Integrating intersectionality enhances research outcomes for innovative and effective responses to climate challenges.
"There is a pressing need for inclusive and comprehensive action to respond to climate change and multidimensional vulnerabilities. It is imperative to explore effective strategies for communities affected by loss & damage. An intersectionality-lens in mentoring enhances research outcomes, fosters diverse perspectives, and guide effective responses to climate-induced losses. "
Saleemul Huq Memorial Scholarship: Project Update
2024-10-25
...Read more
Development Studies | PhD
2014-01-03 - 2018-10-31
My doctoral research is a comparative assessment examines the social and economic dimensions of climate change through a gender and policy lens in the global south - Africa and South Asia. The comparative analysis in Kenya, Zambia, and India reveals the need for gender-sensitive and responsive policies essential for effective climate adaptation, given the unique challenges faced by women in these ecologically sensitive regions and the policy gaps that exacerbate these issues. My research underlines that addressing the intersectionality of climate change and multidimensional vulnerabilities is critical to the resilience and sustenance of affected populations.
Gender studies in Asia, Africa and the Middle East | Masters Degree
2010-09-01 - 2011-10-19
At SOAS, UK, where I pursued Gender Studies, focusing on the intersections of gender, culture, and politics in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, and also initiated a peer-reviewed journal. Under the insightful tutelage of my professors, I gained a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical frameworks that shape gender dynamics within these socio-political contexts, and initiated a gender studies journal for the department. The foundational experience at SOAS has been instrumental in shaping my ongoing research and future endeavors.
English Literature | Masters degree
2005-04-01 - 2007-04-17
The rich and evocative works of prominent Indian literary figures Jayant Mahapatra and Anita Desai, and African authors such as Chinua Achebe and Ngugi wa Thiong`o alongside African-American writers like Toni Morrison and Alice Walker ignited a profound intrigue about our shared colonial past, and for African literature and cultures. The compelling tales of loss and grief, as well as hope, despair, and deceit, and the powerful voices of women`s resilience, courage, and their relentless pursuit of dignity and justice often set against the backdrop of dwindling rivers and forests reflected the intense relation between environment and humanity.
Oxford Climate Society, Oxford School of Climate Change (SoCC), University of Oxford | climate change
2024-04-11
A ‘climate 101’ course that introduces participants to several aspects of climate, from the underlying physics of climate change to climate law, economics and governance. Taught by leading Oxford academics, it covers a range of themes - from Climate Change science vis-a-vis IPCC to climate change in the courts, from indigenous ontologies to climate action, and from urban transport infrastructure and mobility justice, to the economics of climate change.
International Centre for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD) | climate change loss and damage
2024-01-25
This insightful training addressed the critical need for addressing Losses and Damages (L&D) , and the fund that is vital to cover both economic and non-economic losses and damages for affected populations. The training comprised the learning of the six principles of Just Financing and the `moral` reasoning as imperative for mobilizing L&D finance. The training emphasized that the L&D outcomes not only involve economic costs but also affect cultural heritage, livelihoods, and overall well-being in regions where adaptive capacity is often limited, and GESI integration is critical to L&D research.
Centre for Human Rights | Human Rights
2024-06-30
In partnership with the African Policing Civilian Oversight Forum (APCOF), this intensive short course examines the international human rights & good practice, and emerging trends on oversight & accountability of the criminal justice system. It draws from insights and expertise of practitioners of human rights & policing insights within oversight institutions, and strategies from advocates in CSOs & media. Enhancing oversight of the criminal justice accountability can contribute to SDG 16 for effective accountability to address violence. Additionally, my coursework paper on national legislation & the law enforcement's use of power was recognized by the Centre as reading material.
Stockholm Environment Institute | Climate change and gender
2020-11-30
The course offered by the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) focuses on the intersections of gender, environmental issues, and sustainable development. It enriches the learning on how different marginalized communities access resources and opportunities, and how these can be made more equitable through: Environmental Challenges: Exploring issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource management through a gender & community lens. Policy and Practice: Evaluating interventions & policies (and the lack of it) that address gender & environmental sustainability for equity. Case Studies for critical thinking : Analyzing regional cases of complexities that shape gender equity & environment.
free membership
2023-12-17 - Present
The Development Studies Association (DSA) in the UK promotes international development by fostering equitable interdisciplinary exchange and cooperation between the Global North and South. The focus areas include global poverty, inequality, conflict, and environmental crises, among others, through research and action.
association
2023-11-03 - Present
The only think tank in France that uses gender as a tool to explore (feminist) foreign policy in international affairs.
general member of
2020-10-19 - Present
weADAPT is a user-led platform to network for climate change adaptation, and brings together a dynamic global community of individuals and organizations involved with adaptation research, policy and practice using case studies and experiences.
| Senior Associate, Responsible Development
2021-09-15 - 2023-09-18
• Monitored a project on flood disaster shelter and livelihood facilitation hub for indigenous communities, particularly for economic empowerment for indigenous women in Northeast India. • Engaged in a World Bank project on the social and environmental assessment of the mining sector, women in workforce participation, and equality in South Africa; led high-level stakeholder consultations with core business and governmental bodies in South Africa, think-tanks, and academic institutes, and prepared research-intensive questionnaire tools; • Conducted qualitative study and extensive fieldwork across states in India for UNICEF`s Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) evaluation, using the OECD-DAC criteria. - Independently designed the framework for actionable recommendations on Gender and Equity for UNICEF`s Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) presented by UNICEF to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), and Niti Aayog, the public policy think tank of the Government of India. - One of the key contributors to the evaluation report • Conducted Poverty and Social Impact Assessment for the Asian Development Bank (ADB), on the impact on and use of fintech on women`s education and employment opportunities in India. • Contributed to the Gender Equality report - knowledge paper in collaboration with the UN Global Compact Network India (UNGCNI). • Authored a ‘Thought Leadership’ paper on ESG and the need for prioritizing the “Social” in ESG for sustainable business opportunities in India.
India | Project Consultant
2021-07-01 - 2021-09-14
Environmental and Social Impacts Assessment (ESIA) for World Bank, Tata Consulting Engineers, and the Gujarat Resilient Cities Project (GRCP), Government of India. Aligned to the World Bank Resilient Cities Project: Led the social and environmental impact assessment for the World Bank-Tata Consulting Group project for Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), Govt of Gujarat, India in urban planning and development, infrastructure, and public health. Engaged in stakeholder inputs and consultations related to land ownership issues, wastewater pollution from industries, temporary (livelihood) displacement of women and men during construction. Assessed the social impacts on adjacent communities and squatters such as the increased risk of gender-based violence, sexual exploitation of women and girls due to labour influx. Identified potential training areas by the state to leverage skill development programmes for informal women workers to participate in the project-related construction.
India | Consultant Researcher
2019-09-01 - 2019-11-30
Research Project by Loughborough University, UK entitled Modern Energy Cooking Services(MECS) – Technology Research Innovation for International Development (TRIID) Project for the DFID-Gamos-Loughborough University) funded by UK Aid and the World Bank. Independently selected regions for the project in Maharashtra, western India; fieldwork/FGDs in western India, in predominantly indigenous regions on the inadequacies in implementation of LPG; impact of biomass fuels and Household Air Pollution (HAP) on the health of young girls and women, and on the environment. Engaged in stakeholder consultations with State officials on impacts of HAP on women and girls. Assessed women’s time poverty in household dynamics Assessed the impacts of climate stress and resource scarcity on rural-urban migration. Contribution to policy brief.
India | Gender Analyst/Project Associate
2019-05-01 - 2019-07-31
Engaged in ESIA field research with Terra Nero Environmental Solutions in key districts in Assam and Majuli, and Nagaland border, Northeast India. In the context of ‘oil rush’, depleting natural resources, and ecological decline due to extractive measures in Assam. • Conducting key informant interviews and participatory rural appraisal (PRA) • Designing questionnaire tools for discussions/interviews with various stakeholders - village communities, panchayat heads, local councils, government officials in healthcare sector, and people in governmental and non-profit organisations and MGNREGS workers, women weavers, tea plantation (women) workers. • Evaluation of women’s time poverty due to climate stress and water scarcity that revealed increased income disparities, lack of higher education, lack of adaptive capacities, non-intervention of government bodies in facilitating diversification of livelihoods.
India | Senior editor and Advisor
2013-10-01 - 2016-03-31
Editorial and manuscript advisor to new and established authors - Worked on more than 40 books Creative inputs on book cover and illustrations Organised book launch events Led a team of editors and trained them in editorial good practices Copyediting manuscripts till the final stages of printing
India | Freelance editor
2016-03-01 - 2018-04-30
Inside the Making of India’s Foreign Policy by Shivshankar Menon The Best of Roald Dahl.
