Independent research for inclusive and sustainable development
The Research and Inclusive Development Foundation (RIDF) is an independent, non-profit research and development organisation working to advance inclusive, gender-responsive and sustainable development.
We combine research, field-based evidence, and interdisciplinary perspectives to address the complex social, economic, and environmental challenges facing communities and workers. Our work particularly explores the intersections of gender, livelihoods, informal economies, social inclusion, urban and rural development, climate resilience, and waste ecosystems.
We collaborate with government institutions, academic and research organisations, development agencies, civil society organisations, CSR foundations and communities to generate knowledge and support practical solutions.
We envision development pathways where communities and workers have greater livelihood security, women have greater agency and participation, informal economies are recognised and supported, and environmental sustainability is integrated into development planning.
Research that informs. Knowledge that enables. Partnerships that create change.
RIDF advances sustainable development through rigorous interdisciplinary research at the intersection of environment, gender equity and informal workforce inclusion. We are committed to building a strong knowledge base that:
Research ethics, transparency, credibility and professional responsibility.
Diverse perspectives and centring communities often excluded.
Interdisciplinary thinking and practical responses to complex challenges.
Partnerships across sectors, disciplines and communities.
Methodological rigour, professional quality and continuous learning.
Socially equitable, economically meaningful and environmentally responsible.
Interdisciplinary Expertise. Shared Commitment.
Founder & Director
A researcher and development professional working across gender equality, livelihoods, informal economy, social inclusion and urban and rural development. Her experience includes work with the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), contributing to research and knowledge initiatives related to urban livelihoods and informal workers.
Gender Equality | Informal Economy | Livelihoods | Social Inclusion | Urban & Rural Development
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Co-Founder & Director (Research)
An environmental researcher with nearly a decade of experience in waste management, environmental sustainability, circular economy, policy and informal sector issues. Her work brings together research from the perspective of resource management, informal sector, circularity and sustainable development.
Environment | Waste Management | Circular Economy | Informal Sector | Sustainability
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Non-Executive Director
An academician, researcher and development professional working at the intersection of science, technology, gender, health and rural development. Currently an Assistant Professor at the Centre of Science and Society, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj, her work combines interdisciplinary research and community engagement to develop evidence-based solutions for women and underserved rural communities.
Science & Technology Policy | Gender & Health | Rural Development | Social Inclusion | Sustainability
View Profile →Dedicated Professionals Driving Impact.
Technical Writer - Agriculture
A molecular biologist with a PhD and postgraduate degree from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. She brings a scientist's perspective to agricultural storytelling, translating current research on climate-resilient crops and agricultural biotechnology into clear, accessible content. She is developing outreach content to build awareness of agricultural science and gender equity within farming communities.
Molecular Biology | Agricultural Biotechnology | Climate-Resilient Crops | Science Communication | Gender Equity in Agriculture
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Hindi Expert
A Hindi scholar, educator, and researcher with a PhD in Hindi from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). A recipient of the JRF and an ICSSR Postdoctoral Fellow, her research explores contemporary Hindi literature, globalization, and social transformation. Her work focuses on gender equity, social inclusion, cultural change, and the representation of marginalized voices. She is dedicated to creating accessible Hindi content, educational resources, and public discourse that foster equality, awareness, and deeper social understanding.
Contemporary Hindi Literature & Research | Social & Cultural Transformation | Gender Equity & Marginalized Representation | Language, Pedagogy & Public Discourse
View Profile →RIDF's work contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through research, knowledge generation, capacity building, policy engagement and collaborative action.
Advancing gender equality, women's empowerment and gender-responsive development.
Supporting inclusive livelihoods, decent work and greater recognition of informal workers.
Addressing social and economic inequalities and strengthening social inclusion.
Promoting inclusive, resilient and sustainable urban and rural development.
Strengthening climate resilience, adaptation and sustainable livelihood pathways.
Building meaningful partnerships across government, academia, civil society and communities.
