Dr Supriya Garikipati PhD, Cambridge (UK)

Summary

Knowledge Exchange and Policy Impact

1) Changing Microfinance Policy to Enhance Rural Women's Livelihoods: Using the findings of her research, Dr Garikipati worked closely with the governments of the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, India to shape their microfinance programmes to be more effective in enhancing women’s livelihoods. This work resulted in the introduction of the Livelihood Enhancement Programme (LEP) that was introduced in all the 22 districts of the two states. This work was documented as an Impact Case for REF2014. It was assessed as ‘world-leading’ and also won the University of Liverpool’s ‘Outstanding Contribution to Impact’ Award. Dr Garikipati is now working with India’s National Apex Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development to influence a national rollout. This enhances the reach of LEP from 0.5 to 5 million women annually. Read more about this work here https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/management/research/impact/microfinance-india/.

2) Informing Choice for an Inclusive and Sustainable Menstrual Health Policy: Dr Garikipati has used her research on menstrual health to emphasise the importance of informed choice to ensure inclusive and sustainable menstrual hygiene in low-and-middle-income countries. She has worked closely with international WASH organisations like UNICEF and WaterAid and with Indian government to ensure that potential of informed women’s choice as a policy instrument is reflected in policy and practice. This work has resulted in changes to India’s menstrual policy as well as the working of WASH organisations resulting in a marked shift away from the emphasis given to disposable pads. Read more about this work here https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/management/research/impact/microfinance-india/.