Dr. Sudeshna Mukherjee has been associated with the Centre for Social Impact at Chanakya University, Bengaluru, as Director since August 2025.  She is an accomplished academic and researcher with over two decades of teaching and research experience across leading Indian institutions, including Bangalore University, Christ University, and Mangalore University. She holds postgraduate, MPhil, and Ph.D. degrees in Sociology with a specialization in Gender Studies from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. A recipient of the prestigious Bureau of Police Research and Development Fellowship (2001) for her doctoral work, she was also selected by the U.S. Department of State for the International Visitor Leadership Program on combating gender-based violence.

Dr. Mukherjee has led over 10 research and evaluation projects supported by national and international agencies, including UGC, ICSSR, the Ford Foundation, and the Karnataka Evaluation Authority. She served as the coordinator for the drafting committee of the Government of Karnataka’s Women’s Empowerment Policy (2016). An accomplished author, she has published three books and contributed over 50 articles to peer-reviewed journals and edited volumes published by reputable publishers. Her areas of expertise span gender, human rights, development studies, public policy, and geriatric care. Dr. Mukherjee brings a rich blend of scholarly insight and policy engagement to research initiatives.

Executive Programme in Public Policy and Management, Indian Institute of Management, Kolkata, 2025

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Sociology with specialization in Gender and Human Rights from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, in 2006

Recipient of BPR&D, MHA, Govt of India Fellowship for Doctoral Research in 2001

Master of Philosophy (MPhil), in sociology with specialization in Gender studies from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, in 2000

Master of Arts in Sociology (MA), Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi,1998

BA in Sociology (honours) from Calcutta University in 1996

Journals

1. Mukherjee, S., Rajendra, N., & Dwivedi, P. (2025). Social exclusion and gender inequality faced by students with disabilities during the COVID pandemic. Journal of Social and Economic Development. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40847-024-00404-x
   (Gender, disability, COVID, social exclusion)
2. Thumboo, S., & Mukherjee, S. (2024). The intersection of age, gender, and technology: A study of cyber victimisation among older women in India. HelpAge India Research & Development Journal, 27(3).
   (Aging, gender, digital vulnerability)
3. Thumboo, S., & Mukherjee, S. (2024). Digital romance fraud targeting unmarried women. Discover Global Society, 2, Article 105. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44282-024-00132-x
   (Gender, technology, cybercrime)
4. Mukherjee, S. (2023). Gender issues in Karnataka – Prospects and challenges. Indian Institute of Public Administration, Karnataka Regional Branch Newsletter, 4(35), 5.
   (Gender policy, governance)
5. Mukherjee, S. (2021). Glass ceiling: Impact on women working in the banking sector. Ziechen Journal, 7(11).
   (Gender, work, institutions)
6. Dwibedi, P., & Mukherjee, S. (2021). Women information technology professionals: Digital sisterhood. Sociological Bulletin, 70(3).
   (Gender, work, digital spaces)
7. Mukherjee, S. (2020). Sociological understanding of increasing geriatric violence in India during the COVID pandemic: A human rights perspective. Journal of the National Human Rights Commission, 19.
   (Geriatric care, violence, human rights)
8. Rashmi, C. K., & Mukherjee, S. (2019). Collective bargaining of Dalit women through solidarity groups: A case study of Dalit women in JJR Nagar slums of Bangalore. Online International Interdisciplinary Research Journal, 9 (Special Issue).
   (Urban poverty, slums, Dalit women, collective action)
9. Mukherjee, S., & Uzma, A. (2019). Stress among employed Muslim women in urban Bangalore is due to the dual roles of family and profession. International Journal of Research and Analytical Reviews, 6(2).
   (Urban women, work–family balance)
10. Mukherjee, S., & Rajendra, N. (2019). Innovative technology as an avenue towards inclusion of students with disabilities in higher education. International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research, 6(5).
    (Disability, inclusion, technology)
11. Mukherjee, S., & Rajendra, N. (2018). Access and inclusion of women with disability in higher education. Samwaad: E-Journal, 1.
    (Gender, disability, education)
12. Mukherjee, S. (2018). “Binodini,” the rebel and quintessential “other” of Bengali theatre. Online International Interdisciplinary Research Journal, 8 (Special Issue).
    (Gender, culture, representation)
13. Aruna, S., & Mukherjee, S. (2018). Evolution and the role of women working in the Indian banking sector. Online International Interdisciplinary Research Journal, 8(2).
    (Gender, work, institutions)
14. Kattegowder, V. H., & Mukherjee, S. (2017). The impact of dementia care on women caregivers with special reference to working women caregivers. Online International Interdisciplinary Research Journal, 7 (Special Issue).
    (Care work, aging, gender)
15. Rashmi, C. K., & Mukherjee, S. (2017). NGO’s role in community-based monitoring of primary health care services for women in urban slums. Rupkatha Journal on Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities, 9(1), 250–262.
    (Urban slums, health governance, participation)
16. Mukherjee, S., Tarannum, A., & Uzma, A. (2017). Role of higher education in the lives of Muslim women with special reference to the teaching profession in Bangalore. Researchers World, 8(2).
    (Education, minority women, empowerment)
17. Mukherjee, S. (2016). Gender budgeting in India: Issues and challenges in implementation. Aarthika Charche: Journal of Economics and Governance, 1(1), 53–60.
    (Public policy, gender budgeting)
18. Mukherjee, S. (2015). Addressing gender inequality through equality of domestic work: A feminist perspective. Today International Journal of COPS, Issue 3.
    (Feminist theory, care work)
19. Mukherjee, S. (2015). Environmental and social impact of fashion: Towards eco-friendly, ethical fashion. International Journal of Interdisciplinary and Multidisciplinary Studies, 2(3), 22–35.
    (Gender, labor, sustainability)
20. Mukherjee, S. (2015). Social exclusion of elderly women suffering from dementia: A critique of governmental policies. Online International Interdisciplinary Research Journal, 5 (Special Issue).
    (Aging, policy critique)
21. Mukherjee, S. (2014). The curious case of Shanthi: The issue of transgender in Indian sports. Rupkatha Journal on Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities, 6(3).
    (Gender diversity, rights, institutions)
22. Mukherjee, S. (2014). Alienation of women garment workers in garment industries of Bangalore. Online International Interdisciplinary Research Journal, 4 (Special Issue).
    (Urban labor, exploitation, gender)
23. Mukherjee, S. (2013). Claiming justice for women with disabilities: Challenges and responses. Sumangali: A Journal of Gender and Heritage, 3(1).
    (Gender, disability, justice)

Books

1. Mukherjee, S. (2023). A handbook on gender-based violence (In collaboration with the Department of Women and Child Development, Government of Karnataka).
2. Mukherjee, S. (Ed.). (2018). Vision for an inclusive society: A feminist perspective. Himalaya Publishing House Pvt. Ltd. ISBN 978-93-5299-472-4.
3. Mukherjee, S. (Ed.). (2015). Gender in the market economy. Rawat Publications. ISBN 978-81-316-0705-3.

Book Chapters

1. Mukherjee, S. (2024). Political participation of transwomen leadership in decentralized government: Social impact analysis based on select case studies of women leaders as change makers. In R. Rajshekhar & M. Manjula (Eds.), Women leadership, decentralized governance and development perspective from Indian states. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-3709-3
   (Gender diversity, political participation, governance, impact analysis)
2. Mukherjee, S. (2024). Gendered empathy and its impact on efficient pandemic management. In S. K. S. Ali & S. D. Das (Eds.), Writing disaster in South Asian literature and culture: The limits of empathy and cosmopolitan imagination. Lexington Books.
   (Gender, empathy, disaster governance, COVID-19)
3. Mukherjee, S. (2024). Rajiv Gandhi Chaitanya Yojane (RGCY): A gender perspective social impact analysis. In V. Anil Kumar & D. Jeevan Kumar (Eds.), Governance and development in Karnataka: One state, many worlds. Writer’s Choice Publications.
   (Gender budgeting, welfare evaluation, state policy)
4. Mukherjee, S. (2022). No one killed Felani. In M. Chakravorty et al. (Eds.), Beyond alienation, hatred and terror: Compatriots with love and living-kind (Anthology of poems). Authors Press.
   (Gender, violence, creative human rights expression)
5. Mukherjee, S., & Kattegowdar, V. H. (2021). The status and well-being of elderly women suffering from dementia: Case studies from Bengaluru. In M. K. Shankardass (Ed.), Older women and well-being. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-4605-8_18
   (Geriatric care, gender, urban aging)
6. Mukherjee, S. (2020). Fighting a shadow pandemic: Impact of COVID-19 on gender-based violence. In Gender mainstreaming in India: Perspectives and concerns. Fiscal Policy Institute of Karnataka.
   (Gender-based violence, crisis governance)
7. Mukherjee, S. (2020). Empowerment and rehabilitation of the Devadasi: An evaluation. In C. R. M., R. Baikady, H. Sakaguchi, & S.-L. Cheng (Eds.), Social welfare policies and programmes in South Asia. Routledge.
   (Gender, rehabilitation policy, social justice)
8. Mukherjee, S. (2019). Globalization and political economy of protected areas. In M. K. Verma (Ed.), Globalization, environment, and social justice: Perspectives, issues and concerns. Routledge.
   (Political economy, environment, indigenous rights)
9. Mukherjee, S., & Rashmi, C. K. (2019). An intersectionality analysis of the vulnerability of Dalit women sex workers in Bangalore. In S. G. S. Suryanarayanan (Ed.), Thinking gender: Socio-cultural perspectives. Concept Publishing.
   (Urban poverty, caste, gender, intersectionality)
10. Mukherjee, S. (2018). Dementia: A capability deprivation for elderly women in India. In R. Pande & T. van der Weide (Eds.), Handbook of research on multicultural perspectives on gender and aging. IGI Global.
    (Aging, capability approach, gender)
11. Mukherjee, S., & Shaiya. (2018). Migrant women labourers in solid waste management in Bengaluru: A feminist perspective. In S. Mukherjee (Ed.), Vision for an inclusive society: A feminist perspective. Himalaya Publishing House.
    (Urban informality, migrant labour, care work)
12. Mukherjee, S., & Rashmi, C. K. (2018). Constraints affecting Dalit women’s access to health services in BBMP hospitals. In N. S. Rangaraju et al. (Eds.), Multi-disciplinary researches in empowerment of women. Manoj Publications.
    (Urban health access, slums, caste and gender)
13. Mukherjee, S. (2017). New age white-collar child labour: Child artists in Indian television. In VIMOCHANE: Dudime beda… Shikshana beku…. Karnataka State Child Labour Eradication Project Society.
    (Child labour, media, policy critique)
14. Mukherjee, S., & Rashmi, C. K. (2017). Powerlessness of female sex workers in relation to condom usage: A socialist feminist analysis. In J. P. Saikia & S. Prasad (Eds.), Contemporary Indian society: A gendered perspective. Concept Publishing.
    (Sex work, health rights, feminist analysis)
15. Mukherjee, S. (2016). Role of ICT intervention in engendering education. In A. Vyas (Ed.), Gender issues and women empowerment: Dimensions and development. Book Enclave.
    (Technology, education, gender inclusion)
16. Mukherjee, S. (2016). Conservation of tigers versus assertion of Soliga rights: Indigenous quest for endogenous development. In C. M. Lakshmana (Ed.), Sustainable development and environmental protection. Bookwell.
    (Indigenous rights, environment, development)
17. Mukherjee, S. (2015). Reproductive technologies: New markets and emerging inequalities. In S. Mukherjee (Ed.), Gender in the market economy. Rawat Publications.
    (Political economy, reproduction, gender)
18. Mukherjee, S. (2015). Construction of transgender identities in the Mahabharata. In C. Shivaraju (Ed.), Socio-political aspects in Mahabharata: Their relevance today. College Book House.
    (Gender diversity, culture, representation)
19. Mukherjee, S. (2015). Endogenous development and environmental sustainability. In A. Vyas & A. Pancholi (Eds.), Recent trends in globalization, tourism and environment. Aadi Publications.
    (Sustainability, local development)
20. Mukherjee, S. (2015). Role of social media in empowering women and engendering development. In B. K. Pattnaik et al. (Eds.), Women’s empowerment: A strategy for development.
    (Digital spaces, empowerment)
21. Mukherjee, S. (2014). Gender, environment and sustainable energy. In N. Nandini (Ed.), Clean energy technologies: A viable alternative for a sustainable future. Prasaranga, Bangalore University.
    (Gender and sustainability)
22. Mukherjee, S. (2014). From gender-biased policing to gender-sensitive policing. In R. H. Makhwana (Ed.), Contemporary crime in Indian society. Gyan Publishing House.
    (Gender, institutions, justice system)
23. Mukherjee, S. (2014). Medicalization and commodification of women’s bodies through assisted reproductive technology. In J. P. Saikia (Ed.), Gender and health: A sociological insight. Naba Bharati Prakashani.
    (Health, bioethics, feminist critique)
24. Mukherjee, S. (2013). Assisted reproductive technology and surrogacy: Commodification of women’s bodies and choice. Administrative Training Institute, Mysore.
    (Gender, policy, reproductive justice

Popular Writings

In the UGC EPG Patashala program on Women’s Studies, organized by Avinashalingam University (Dept of Home Science), Pune University (Dept of Sociology), 2015-16. Contributed to the development of modules on:

1. Gender and Education https://youtu.be/-JDOwb9CaC0
2. Women and Development (Uploaded), https://ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in/hsp14/chapter/approaches-to-womens-development/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEXYMGSeOFY
3. Marxist and Socialist Feminism (uploaded) https://ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in/socp10/chapter/marxist-and-socialist-feminism

Project 1

• Title: Evaluation of Gruhalakshmi Scheme in Karnataka
• Duration: 2024–2025
• Granting Agency: Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA)
• PIs/Co-PIs: Principal Investigator – Dr. Sudeshna Mukherjee
• Purpose: To assess the effectiveness and social impact of the Gruhalakshmi welfare scheme.
• Short Description: The study evaluated the implementation processes, beneficiary outreach, and scheme outcomes through a gender and inclusion lens.
• Grant Amount: ₹1,00,000

Project 2

• Title: Evaluation of Inclusion of Marginalized Communities under PMJDY: A Three-State Study
• Duration: 2022–2024
• Granting Agency: Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR)
• PIs/Co-PIs: Co-Coordinator – Dr. Sudeshna Mukherjee
• Purpose: To examine the financial inclusion of marginalized groups under PMJDY across three Indian states of Karnataka, Rajasthan, and West Bengal.
• Short Description: A comparative evaluation focusing on access, usage, and exclusion patterns in banking services.
• Grant Amount: ₹12,00,000

Project 3

• Title: Evaluation of Institutional Arrangements for Women in Distress and Implementation of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006
• Duration: 2022–2023
• Granting Agency: Karnataka Evaluation Authority, Government of Karnataka
• PIs/Co-PIs: Principal Investigator – Dr. Sudeshna Mukherjee
• Purpose: To evaluate rehabilitation mechanisms for women in distress and the enforcement of child marriage laws.
• Short Description: The consultancy assessed institutional effectiveness in addressing violence against women and the prevention of child marriage in Karnataka.
• Grant Amount: ₹3,50,000

Project 4

• Title: Sociological Understanding of Geriatric Violence from Gender Perspectives
• Duration: 2024–2025
• Granting Agency: Bangalore University
• PIs/Co-PIs: Principal Investigator – Dr. Sudeshna Mukherjee
• Purpose: To analyse elder abuse through gender and human rights perspectives.
• Short Description: The study explored social, familial, and institutional factors contributing to geriatric violence.
• Grant Amount: ₹1,85,000

Project 5

• Title: Evaluation of Rajiv Gandhi Chaitanya Yojana (2013–14 to 2016–17)
• Duration: 2017–2021
• Granting Agency: Karnataka Evaluation Authority, Government of Karnataka
• PIs/Co-PIs: Principal Investigator – Dr. Sudeshna Mukherjee
• Purpose: To assess educational and social outcomes of the scheme in terms of facilitating rural skilling, followed by self-employment and wage employment in Karnataka
• Short Description: A social impact evaluation focusing on gender, access, and regional disparities.
• Grant Amount: ₹4,50,000

Project 6

• Title: Status of One-Stop Crisis Centres in Karnataka
• Duration: 2021–2022
• Granting Agency: Ford Foundation & Centre for Women Development Studies, New Delhi
• PIs/Co-PIs: Principal Investigator – Dr. Sudeshna Mukherjee
• Purpose: To assess service delivery and accessibility of crisis support systems for women.
• Short Description: The project evaluated institutional responsiveness to gender-based violence.
• Grant Amount: 2,50,000

Project 7

• Title: Impact Evaluation of State Interventions in Select Sports in Karnataka (2011–12 to 2016–17)
• Duration: 2018–2020
• Granting Agency: Karnataka Evaluation Authority, Government of Karnataka
• PIs/Co-PIs: Principal Investigator – Dr. Sudeshna Mukherjee
• Purpose: To evaluate policy outcomes in state-supported sports development in Karnataka.
• Short Description: The consultancy assessed governance, equity, and institutional effectiveness in sports interventions and suggested a roadmap for future
• development.
• Grant Amount: ₹4,00,000

Project 8

• Title: Evaluation of Bhagyalakshmi Scheme
• Duration: 2017–2018
• Granting Agency: Department of Women and Child Development, Government of Karnataka
• PIs/Co-PIs: Principal Investigator – Dr. Sudeshna Mukherjee
• Purpose: To assess the scheme’s impact on girl child welfare and gender equity.
• Short Description: Evaluation of implementation, beneficiary reach, and social outcomes.
• Grant Amount: ₹4,00,000

Project 9

• Title: Evaluation of the Rehabilitation of the Devadasi Programme in Karnataka
• Duration: 2016–2017
• Granting Agency: Karnataka Evaluation Authority, Government of Karnataka
• PIs/Co-PIs: Principal Investigator – Dr. Sudeshna Mukherjee
• Purpose: To assess rehabilitation and reintegration strategies for Devadasis.
• Short Description: The study focused on policy effectiveness, social inclusion, and livelihood outcomes.
• Grant Amount: ₹2,50,000

Project 10

• Title: Drafting of Women’s Empowerment Policy for the Government of Karnataka
• Duration: 2015–2016
• Granting Agency: Government of Karnataka
• PIs/Co-PIs: Principal Investigator – Dr. Sudeshna Mukherjee
• Purpose: To develop a comprehensive state-level women’s empowerment policy.
• Short Description: Policy drafting informed by research, consultations, and gender analysis.
• Grant Amount: ₹50,000

Project 11

• Title: Emerging Issues Related to Adoption in India: Towards Inclusive Policy and Practice
• Duration: 2014–2016
• Granting Agency: University Grants Commission (UGC)
• PIs/Co-PIs: Principal Investigator – Dr. Sudeshna Mukherjee
• Purpose: To examine sociological challenges in adoption systems in India.
• Short Description: The study addressed policy gaps and inclusive adoption practices.
• Grant Amount: ₹1,10,000

Project 12

• Title: Job Stress, Vulnerability, and Security Needs of Women in ITES and Garment Industries in Bangalore
• Duration: 2008–2010
• Granting Agency: Bureau of Police Research and Development, Government of India
• PIs/Co-PIs: Principal Investigator – Dr. Sudeshna Mukherjee
• Purpose: To analyze occupational stress and safety concerns among women workers.
• Short Description: A comparative sociological study of women in formal and informal urban industries.
• Grant Amount: ₹1,75,000

• Represented India at the USA Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs sponsored by the International Visitor Leadership Program for “The Fight against Gender-Based Violence” USA, 2015
• Nominated as Member Coordinator: Karnataka State Women’s Empowerment Policy
• Recipient of the Bureau of Police Research and Development, MHA, Govt of India Fellowship, India, 2001
• Member, Coordinator Curriculum Development in Women’s Studies for NEP, Karnataka
• Worked as Director, International Centre, Bangalore University
• Worked as Coordinator, Placement Cell, Bangalore University
• Worked as Coordinator, Gender Sensitization Cell, Bangalore University
• Honorary member of the Board of Governors, Public Affairs Centre (pacindia.org)
• Working as an Advisory Committee Member for the Centre for Women’s Studies in Bangalore University, 2019 to 2025, and Karnataka University, Dharwad, 2022 to 2025. And Dept. of Women’s Studies, Vijayapura Akka Mahadevi Women’s University
• Member Board of Studies, Bangalore University, Bangalore City University, Alagappa University, Pondicherry University, Bharathidasan University, Krishna Devaraya University, Ballari, Vijayapura Akka Mahadevi Women’s University

Google Scholar

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=MuW1cAo

Research Gate

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sudeshna-Mukherjee-15

• Orchid ID: 0000-0001-5867-011X
• Vidwan Id: 94967
• Scopus ID: 57210510270

• Six students have completed their Ph.D. degrees under her supervision.
• Google Scholar (Citations: 234, h-index: 5, i10-index:2)