Meghna Sandhir

Meghna Sandhir is a Senior Research Associate at J-PAL South Asia, where she works on advancing gender-sensitive policing initiatives in Punjab. Her current work focuses on strengthening institutional responses to gender-based violence, improving police community engagement, and generating evidence to inform more inclusive public safety systems.

Prior to joining J-PAL in 2026, Meghna worked at Participatory Research in Asia (PRIA), where she led and contributed to research projects on gender and digital spaces, examining online safety, access, and participation for young women. She also worked on initiatives aimed at making urban mobility more gender inclusive, engaging with city stakeholders to understand how transport systems can better respond to women’s lived realities.

Across her work, Meghna has experience in qualitative research design, field implementation, stakeholder consultations, and translating research findings into policy-relevant insights. She has worked closely with community-based organizations, youth groups, and government departments, grounding her research in participatory and context-sensitive approaches. Meghna holds a Master’s (honours) degree in Anthropology from Panjab University, Chandigarh.