Linda has over 15 years of experience in policy research across Africa. Before joining IDinsight, she worked as a resident researcher at UNESCO, a university academic, a director of a research consultancy, and as a research specialist in Zambia and South Africa. Linda’s sectoral areas of focus include education, women’s employment, financial inclusion, and persons with disabilities. She is also interested in strengthening ethical standards in research. Her most recent projects have focused on improving women’s access to both formal and informal financial services and in social enterprise efforts to advance Africa’s female entrepreneurs. Linda is committed to reversing the acute shortage of women in policy research and is involved in training and mentorship programs that target young female professionals. Linda has a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Cape Town. Her thesis was the joint winner of the 2009 Founder’s Medal, which is awarded to the top Ph.D. in Economics at a South African University by the Economics Society of South Africa.