Member

Dr. Karuna Onta

Dr. Karuna Onta received her PhD degree in Social Psychology from Leningrad State University, USSR Development Program Specialist with over fifteen years of experience in the South Asia Region (Nepal, India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh) on broad range of women’s human rights, women’s empowerment, gender equality, reproductive health/nutrition, psychosocial well-being, social norms, behaviour change communication, social inclusion, protection related areas and water, sanitation and hygiene. Co-lead adviser for the Integrated Program for Strengthening Security and Justice in Nepal (this requires working with multiple ministries such as Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Women Children and Social Welfare, Ministry of Law and Justice and a range of stakeholders from the government and civil society organization). Focus is on providing support to women and girls to effectively prevent and respond to gender based violence. She has worked with the Women and Children Service Directorate/Department of Police for legal and protection support to women and girls facing gender-based violence.  She was also a Lead advisor for the Paralegal Committee Project till July 2014.

Dr. onta has experience of nearly three decades working in the field of development in Nepal, India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Vietnam. She worked in the UNICEF Regional Office of South Asia developing Behaviour Change Communication Strategy on promotion of maternal and child health nutrition in the region.