Deciphering Data: How Researchers at LEAD are Using AI for Qualitative Research

Gaurav Kumar Sinha, Aditya Tomar | June 3, 2024

In the fast-changing world of social impact research, the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) — especially Generative AI — presents exciting new possibilities, especially for enhancing the efficiency of workflows in qualitative research. This technological breakthrough grants researchers access to … Read More

Social Media’s Impact on Women’s Entrepreneurial Journey

Megha Shree, Inayat Singh Beri | February 13, 2024

Expanding upon the insights shared in the initial segment of our two-part blog, the discussion in this second piece is anchored on the women who are benefitting from taking the social commerce route globally and how social media is providing … Read More

Social Commerce and the Growth of Women Entrepreneurship 

Megha Shree, Inayat Singh Beri | February 13, 2024

This blog dissects social commerce in the business realm. To better understand how social media and e-commerce work together, our research explores the role social commerce plays in the advancement of women-owned businesses. The piece’s core objective is to provide … Read More

Minding the Gender Gap in MSME Credit 

Vatsima Tripathi, John Arun | December 18, 2023

NBFIs have introduced “subjective” discretion in the underwriting and credit analysis process for women entrepreneurs. While mainstream financial institutions do not back this strongly, the non-traditional institutions have taken a leap forward for inclusion of women borrowers. Women-run MSMEs constitute … Read More

Gig Economy – The Indian Picture So Far

Sabina Yasmin, Panchali Banerjee | December 1, 2023

In the wake of COVID 19, Gig work emerged as a lucrative source of income generation for many. Significant advancements in technology, which allow quick access to and delivery of services even through mobile devices, have further enabled its proliferation … Read More

Measuring Financial Health of Informal Workers: Why it Matters

Sabina Yasmin, Panchali Banerjee | November 17, 2023

The global pandemic would be the most recent and appropriate example to substantiate the need for measuring the financial health of informal workers. COVID-19 induced severe downscaling of economic activities, due to which the LMICs have suffered strong financial consequences. … Read More

Smallholder Farmers, Big Challenges – Need for Transboundary Governance Solutions

Sabina Yasmin | October 13, 2023

South Asian economies primarily depend on agriculture for employment, with nearly 1.5 billion people directly dependant on the sector. However, in recent times, changing climatic conditions are impacting … Read More

Women’s Empowerment and Gender-based Violence:
Bridging the Gap between Theory and Practice

Shailja Tandon | July 14, 2023

In 2008, the United Nations Secretary-General unveiled the UNITE campaign intending to end violence against women and girls by 2030. Several campaigns were launched with a similar goal by United Nations with relevant stakeholders. The Pandemic unleashed its terrain of … Read More

Enabling Integrated Enterprise Development –
From Siloed Solutions to Systemic Change 

Sharon Buteau | July 7, 2023

Given the multidimensionality of poverty, a combination of well-thought-out interventions is required to address the many interconnected challenges related to development. Complex interventions are increasingly being implemented in the area of livelihood creation, rural development and community health as a … Read More

Can ‘Hybrid’ Models Work for Women in Rural India? Insights from a Field Visit

Kaavyayani Pal | July 6, 2023

“I was not allowed outside of my home, so I did not know about any job opportunities.” Kavita* — Orakhan Village, Uttarakhand Kavita* speaks softly as her daughter falls asleep on a bed next to us. It is a sunny winter … Read More