Ranjana Kumari

Centre for Social Research

Director

Biography

Dr. Ranjana Kumari is a globally respected policy, gender, and Trust & Safety expert, and is widely regarded as an icon of the women’s movement in India. With decades of leadership at the intersection of gender justice, governance, and social transformation, she has shaped national and global discourse on women’s rights, safety, and equity. Her contributions have earned her international recognition, including being named among the most influential women global leaders and receiving the International Lotus Leadership Award. Her expertise spans gender and public policy, women’s political participation, Trust and Safety, online protection of women and children, and education for girls. In recent years, she has emerged as a leading voice on technology-facilitated gender-based violence, serving on councils and boards of technology platforms where she contributes to shaping policies on digital safety, platform accountability, and gender-responsive governance. An academic, practitioner, and global policy actor, Dr. Kumari’s journey reflects sustained and deeply grounded engagement rather than a linear career trajectory. Her work represents an accumulation of insights drawn from grassroots realities, sustained dialogue with communities, and strategic navigation of complex policy and governance systems. Over decades, these experiences have refined her perspective and strengthened her resolve to drive systemic change. She is Author of 9 Books Dr. Kumari holds a PhD in Political Science from Jawaharlal Nehru University, where her strong academic foundation seamlessly merged with activism. A defining moment in her life came in 1980, following a tragic dowry death near her home. This incident catalyzed her lifelong commitment to combating gender-based violence and led to her seminal work, Brides Are Not for Burning, a publication that received international acclaim for exposing violence against women in India and influencing public and policy debates. Dr. Kumari’s influence extends globally through her engagement with international institutions and forums dedicated to gender equality. She has served as a Gender Expert with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the United Nations in Geneva, amplifying perspectives from the Global South within global policy frameworks. Dr. Ranjana Kumari continues to inspire policymakers, scholars, and activists worldwide through her unwavering commitment to women’s rights, safety, and empowerment.