Ratna Sahay
Ratna Sahay is a distinguished economist specializing in macroeconomics, finance, and gender. Over a 33-year career at the International Monetary Fund, she held senior roles including Senior Advisor on Gender and Special Advisor to the Managing Director, leading country missions and policy projects across 60+ countries. Her work has spanned monetary policy, exchange rate policy, capital account management, financial development, financial inclusion, and integrating gender into macroeconomic frameworks. She has published extensively in leading academic and policy journals and contributed to global initiatives, including the G-20 and the World Economic Forum.
Currently, Ratna serves as an Honorary Professor at the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) in Delhi and as a Non-Resident Fellow at the Center for Global Development in Washington, D.C. She is actively engaged in advancing gender equality through research, policy advisory roles, and thought leadership, including her contributions to the IMF’s External Advisory Panel on Gender. She has also taught at Delhi University and New York University and holds a PhD in Economics from New York University.
Beyond her professional work, Ratna is committed to mentorship and philanthropy, personally supporting families to achieve long-term self-sufficiency. She enjoys hiking, book clubs, learning Spanish, knitting, bridge, and yoga. A passionate advocate for inclusive economic growth, she continues to inspire younger generations of economists and policymakers, emphasizing the importance of gender-informed policies for sustainable development.
• New York University - PhD
• External Advisory Panel on Gender - IMF
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the strong values my parents instilled in me, coupled with persistence, optimism, and a people-first mindset. I strive to stay grounded, remain resilient when facing challenges, and consistently focus on creating meaningful impact rather than personal gain.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to stay focused on purpose-driven work and take things one step at a time. I’ve also learned the importance of remaining flexible and open to change, while never compromising my core values.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to pursue your work with passion and conviction. Focus on building strong, diverse networks and collaborating with people who share your mission. Be strategic in establishing your credibility, and don’t hesitate to engage men as allies in closing gender gaps.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is the declining support and funding for gender-focused research in certain regions, which can slow progress. At the same time, this creates a significant opportunity, as the global need to address gender inequality remains immense. I see strong potential in leveraging data-driven, evidence-based research to show how advancing gender equality contributes not only to economic growth but also to societal well-being worldwide.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are integrity, humility, persistence, and compassion. I deeply believe in prioritizing people over material success and giving back, which I demonstrate through my long-term commitment to supporting families in need and my lifelong dedication to advancing gender equality.