Karuna has experience of overy three decades working in the field of development in Nepal, India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Vietnam. She has extensive experience of working in teaching Psychology at Tribhuwan University and non-government development sector. She holds a PhD in Social Psychology. Her last full time job was with the British Embassy Kathmandu office. She worked there for 11 years as a Social Development Advisor working on a range of social issues.
Karuna is technically strong on multiple social development areas. She has experience and expertise on women’s rights, empowerment/leadership, gender equality and social inclusion (GESI), security and justice, modern slavery/human trafficking, social protection, social norms (including child marriage), masculinity, gender-based violence against women, sexual reproductive health/nutrition, policy analysis and safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (SEAH) and mental health. Karuna is a strategic thinker with experience in adaptive programming primarily in program design, qualitative research, monitoring evaluation, preparedness and response activities during humanitarian crisis. She has experience of strategic partnership, reviewing policy and programs, and capacity-building.
She has excellent communication, training and facilitation, partnership skills and employing participatory techniques.
Karuna serves as a Strategic Advisor for Sajha Dhago, an organization working on trauma healing. Karuna is a board of trustee for Freedom to Learn, an UK based charity. She is a member of the Network of Nepalese Psychologists, Nepal Public Health Foundation, TEWA and Possible Health.
On February 5, 2025, Kauna received the Member of British Empire (M.B.E.) award from the Duke of Edinburgh in a private function organized by the British Ambassador in Kathmandu, Nepal.
