Kanika Chakraborty is the Specialist on Gender-based Violence for the Gender Equality Thematic Group at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) where she provides leadership for preventing Sexual Exploitation Abuse and Harassment (SEAH) and GBV ADB operations and knowledge work.
Kanika is a seasoned development and humanitarian professional with experience of working in multi-sectoral programs in Asia, West Africa, Eastern Europe, Middle East and South East Asia. She has excellent understanding and working experiences in the field of safeguarding of women and children, community development, women and children’s rights, GBV, gender justice, economic empowerment of women and girls, girls’ education, conflict resolution, peace building and humanitarian response. Her 15 years’ career track records demonstrate dedication, commitment and endless efforts to ensure all development and humanitarian programs meet gender markers, and address the needs of vulnerable women, men, girls and boys. Before joining the ADB, Kanika served as Oxfam Regional Safeguarding Advisor for Eastern Europe. Her 16 years’ career track records demonstrate dedication, commitment and endless efforts to ensure all development and humanitarian programs meet gender markers, and address the needs of vulnerable women, men, girls and boys. She advocates and promotes community-based approach that looks after PSEA, GBV, safeguarding, gender justice, gender mainstreaming and inclusion.
Kanika is a citizen of Bangladesh and holds two Masters degree in Economics and Development Studies in Bangladesh. She is also a Rotary International Peace Fellow.