For the past 16 years, Poonam Muttreja has served as executive Director of the Population Foundation of India (PFI), a leading civil society organization dedicated to advancing population dynamics, gender equity, and sexual and reproductive health and rights. Her leadership at PFI builds upon a distinguished career focused on transforming population policy in India.
From 1992 to 2009, Muttreja held the position of the first India Country Director for the MacArthur Foundation. in this role, she spearheaded a significant shift in the national approach to population policy, moving away from control-based measures towards a rights-based framework centered on women’s health and empowerment. This transition emphasized reproductive rights, access to healthcare, and the overall well-being of women as crucial components of sustainable population policies. PFI’s website details their ongoing work in this area.
Muttreja’s commitment to social justice is deeply rooted in her personal experiences and extensive engagement with vulnerable communities. Throughout her career,she has consistently championed human rights,gender equality,and sustainable livelihoods. Her work reflects a holistic understanding of the interconnectedness between population issues, gender disparities, and socio-economic advancement. She has been a vocal advocate for policies that address the root causes of inequality and empower marginalized groups.
Her influence extends beyond her roles at PFI and the MacArthur Foundation. Muttreja is a frequent commentator on population and development issues, contributing to public discourse and shaping policy debates.She continues to advocate for a more equitable and sustainable future for India,grounded in the principles of human rights and gender equality.
