Jessica Backman-Levy’s research focuses on the relationships between gender, poverty and global reproductive health. She designs and evaluates culturally grounded interventions that promote gender equality, and strengthen health and development outcomes. 

Backman-Levy has worked in underserved communities in the United States, Latin America, sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East. She has provided research support and technical guidance as a consultant for multilateral and bilateral governmental agencies, nongovernmental organizations and large private foundations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Her expertise includes examining how gender equality affects global reproductive health and family planning, and identifying effective gender-based interventions to improve outcomes  and guide development programs and policies. 

Additionally, Backman-Levy is a senior associate with Iris Group, a global consulting firm dedicated to enhancing the inclusion of groups marginalized by gender, sexual orientation, economic status and race or ethnicity. She co-founded and sits on the board of the Minga Foundation, a nongovernmental organization that partners with community-based organizations to improve socioeconomic conditions and health equity among vulnerable populations. 

Areas of Focus: 

  • Sexual and reproductive health and rights
  • Global maternal and child health 
  • Gender equality and restrictive gender norms
  • Gender-responsive program planning and evaluation  

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