Research & Policy Initiative · Lahore, Pakistan
Evidence. Resilience. Inclusive Development.
Resilience Futures Centre (RFC) explores the social, economic, environmental and institutional challenges that shape people’s lives. Through research, policy analysis and knowledge exchange, RFC seeks to support better-informed decisions and practical approaches to inclusive and sustainable development.
Based in Lahore, Pakistan, RFC is developing a research portfolio that connects local experiences with wider policy questions.
About RFC
Development challenges rarely exist in isolation.
Livelihood insecurity can intersect with climate risks, limited access to services, unequal economic opportunities and institutional barriers. Understanding these connections requires careful research, attention to people’s experiences and recommendations that reflect real-world conditions.
RFC is a developing, founder-led research and policy initiative committed to examining these challenges and communicating evidence in clear, practical formats for researchers, practitioners, institutions and decision-makers.
Learn more about RFCWhy resilience matters
Resilience is more than the ability to recover from a shock.
It also concerns the resources, relationships, institutions and opportunities that help people prepare for change, manage risks and pursue secure livelihoods. RFC is interested in how policy, local knowledge and institutional practice can contribute to these conditions.
Our research priorities
A developing agenda across six connected areas
Each area reflects a research interest and potential area of work, explored according to evidence gaps, stakeholder needs and available resources.
Women’s economic empowerment and livelihoods
Understanding the conditions that shape women-led microenterprises, home-based businesses and sustainable income.
Initial research priorityClimate resilience and adaptation
Examining climate-related livelihood risks, community coping strategies and adaptation.
Rural livelihoods and inclusive development
Exploring livelihood diversification, economic opportunity and community resilience.
Social protection and social policy
Examining inclusion, economic security and programme implementation.
Governance and institutional development
Exploring policy implementation, institutional capacity and accountability.
Monitoring, evaluation and learning
Supporting structured inquiry into programme processes, outcomes and lessons.
A first research priority
Women’s livelihoods
RFC’s initial research focus is women’s economic empowerment, with particular interest in women-led small businesses and home-based enterprises. A proposed exploratory study in Lahore would examine how women sustain income, reach customers, use digital tools, access business support and respond to disruptions.
The study remains a proposed initiative until research activities and outputs are completed.
Women-led microenterprises and home-based businesses in Lahore
The study would examine how women
- 01Sustaining income
- 02Reaching customers
- 03Using digital tools
- 04Accessing business support
- 05Responding to disruptions
From evidence to practical insight
Connecting research questions with real decisions
RFC aims to connect research questions with the decisions faced by institutions and programmes. Recommendations should be proportionate to the evidence and clear about limitations.
Depending on the assignment and available resources, potential outputs may include
- Evidence reviews
- Qualitative research
- Policy briefs
- Research reports
- Stakeholder consultations
- Learning products
Research and publications
RFC is developing its institutional publications portfolio. The website will feature RFC-branded reports, policy briefs and other knowledge products as they become available. The founder’s previous academic work may be listed separately with accurate bibliographic details and clear attribution.
Work with RFC
RFC welcomes enquiries from organizations interested in research collaboration, commissioned analysis or knowledge exchange. Any collaboration will depend on the agreed scope, capacity, resources and appropriate arrangements.
- Research institutions & universities
- Public-sector bodies
- Civil-society organizations
- Women’s business networks
- Development programmes
Engage with RFC