Karthika is a Ph.D. fellow at UNU-MERIT. She obtained her MA in Development Studies with a specialization in Econometric Analysis for Development Policies from the International Institute of Social Studies, Erasmus University. Before joining UNU-MERIT, Karthika worked as a consultant at the International Institute of Social Studies and was primarily responsible for supporting research on themes of the political economy of gender discrimination, intra-household contribution and benefits, family planning, and policies related to elderly care. She is an innovative development practitioner and has led and supported projects related to gender, health, and socio-economic development in backward regions.