Dileni N. B. Gunewardena is Professor of Economics at the University of Peradeniya with over 30 years of experience in development-oriented research and teaching in Sri Lanka and internationally. Her work combines rigorous econometric analysis with a strong gender inequality perspective, focusing on poverty, inequality, labour markets, human development, education, and the care economy.

Mahnoor Arshad is a Research Associate at the Economic Growth Cluster at Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), where she works on research, policy advocacy, and capacity-building initiatives in areas including gender equality, financial inclusion, trade, energy, and local governance. She has led and co-authored studies on women’s economic empowerment, digital transformation, and sustainable livelihoods.

Samreen Shahbaz has been working toward the advancement of bodily autonomy, gender equality, and social inclusion for more than 10 years. She has previously led the international advocacy portfolios of multiple women’s rights civil society organizations. 

Currently, she is working with the World Bank and Asian Development Bank as a social development consultant on issues related to social inclusion and social safeguards for the vulnerable and marginalized groups.