Field Works & Research Visits
Visit to the Solomon Islands – Building Climate Resilience and Inclusive Finance
During my visit to the Solomon Islands, I engaged with government leaders, Central Bank officials, and CEOs of the Development Bank and microfinance institutions to discuss strategies for climate resilience, disaster preparedness, and financial inclusion.The discussions focused on advancing research-driven and locally grounded solutions—including innovative financing mechanisms for community-led adaptation and capacity-building initiatives that empower rural populations. The visit highlighted...
Visit to Rohingya Camps, Cox’s Bazar – Fostering Livelihoods and Self-Reliance
During my visit to the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, I observed the progress of our livelihood training initiative, implemented in partnership with a local NGO. The program equips refugees—particularly women—with practical skills to produce handcrafted bamboo and cane items, jute goods, nakshi kantha, and shital pati. These products are now reaching local markets, providing both income and...
Elevating Humanitarian Efforts Through Collaborative Opportunities – Visit to Türk Kızılay Bangladesh Delegation
On December 17, 2024, I had the privilege of visiting the Türk Kızılay (Turkish Red Crescent) Bangladesh Delegation Health Facility and observing their Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) activities at Camp 17 in the Rohingya Refugee Camp.The visit included a tour of the health facility, direct engagement with staff and beneficiaries involved in the MHPSS program, and in-depth discussions...
Visit to International Rescue Committee (IRC) Facilities – Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
In December 2024, I visited the International Rescue Committee (IRC) facilities in the Rohingya refugee camps at Cox’s Bazar to gain firsthand understanding of the humanitarian and operational aspects of camp management. The visit focused on mental health support and women’s health services delivered to the refugee community.During the visit, IRC representatives shared insights into their ongoing work, highlighting both...
Talk at the Bank of Thailand – Development Economics Research Workshop (PIER)
I was invited to speak at the Development Economics Research Workshop 2024, hosted by the Puey Ungphakorn Institute for Economic Research (PIER) at the Bank of Thailand on October 31, 2024. The event brought together leading scholars and policymakers from across Asia to discuss emerging themes and methodologies in development economics.In my talk, titled “Do’s and Don’ts When Implementing Randomized...
Empowering Out-of-School Girls in Karnataka, India – Partnership with the Government of Karnataka and SwaTaleem Foundation
I led an initiative in Karnataka, India, in collaboration with the Government of Karnataka and the SwaTaleem Foundation, to support underprivileged girls who had previously dropped out of school. The program helped participants develop critical life skills, strengthen their educational foundations, and re-engage with learning opportunities. By combining policy collaboration with evidence-based design, the initiative created a scalable model for...
Focus Group Discussion and Partnership Meeting in Indonesia – Project on Gender-Based Violence
I participated in a focus group discussion in Indonesia as part of the design phase of a new research project focusing on gender-based violence and the mental well-being of mothers and their adolescent children. The discussion aimed to deepen understanding of the local context, identify key challenges, and explore how community members themselves envision practical and sustainable solutions. During the...
Field Visit to Hanoi, Vietnam – Research Collaboration and Policy Engagement
In late March 2024, I visited Hanoi, Vietnam, where I met with senior government officials, researchers, and development partners to discuss ongoing and future collaborations. During the visit, I delivered talks at the National Economics University (NEU) and the Mekong Development Research Institute (MDRI), focusing on evidence-based approaches to education, gender equality, and economic inclusion. I also held meetings with...
Meeting with the Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Protection – Suva, Fiji
I had an engaging and productive meeting with Ms. Eseta Nadakuitavuki, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Protection (Fiji), to discuss women’s financial empowerment, reducing gender-based discrimination, and strengthening families through social protection programs. The discussion highlighted a shared commitment to evidence-based policymaking and strategic partnerships aimed at tackling gender-based violence and promoting inclusive empowerment of women and...
Meeting with Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance – Suva, October 2023
In October 2023, I met with Hon. Biman Prasad, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance of Fiji, along with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, to discuss strategies for enhancing social protection and the inclusion of marginalized communities. The discussion was highly constructive, focusing on how evidence-based policymaking can strengthen economic resilience and improve welfare outcomes for...