Cynthia Maharani
Gender, Equity, & Social Inclusion Program Lead

Cynthia Maharani (she/her) is a seasoned social scientist who specializes in forestry policy and governance, gender social inclusion, climate adaptation, and resilience. She currently leads the Gender, Equity, and Social Inclusion Program for WRI Indonesia, overseeing the integration of GESI into the organization's programs on energy, low carbon, and resilient cities, climate, forest, and land use. She holds a master's degree in public policy from Oregon State University and has worked with numerous organizations across various sectors, including non-profits and research institutes.
As the Program Lead for Gender, Equity, and Social Inclusion, Cynthia brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge to their work. She has developed and implemented innovative programs that have had a transformative impact on communities, addressing issues such as gender equity, women empowerment, and the inclusion of marginalized groups in decision-making processes.
Cynthia is a dynamic leader who is skilled in building and managing diverse teams. She is committed to using their skills and expertise to create a more just and equitable world.
In her free time, Cynthia enjoys spending time with her rescued cat families.
Insights
Research
Projects
Clean Air Catalyst
Launch PlatformLaunch Platform Visit ProjectClean Air Catalyst offers a globally applicable approach to developing locally tailored, self-reliant solutions that reduce air pollutants, improve public health, reduce poverty and inequality, and lessen climate change impacts.
Part of Cities & TransportTracking and Strengthening Climate Action (TASCA)
Visit ProjectSupporting the government with tools and resources to track progress toward meeting the national climate commitments and to strengthen climate action.
Part of ClimateCities4Forests
Launch PlatformLaunch Platform Visit ProjectVoluntary coalition to integrate the inner, nearby, and faraway forests into city programs and development plans.
Part of Forests & Land UseSafe and Sound Cities (S2Cities)
Launch PlatformLaunch Platform Visit ProjectEmpowering youth to actively participate in creating a just, inclusive, and safe city.
Part of Cities & TransportImproving Community-Based Forest Management and Sustainable Livelihoods for Communities Living in and Near Forests
Visit ProjectSupporting Indigenous People and Local Community (IPLC) groups in securing their community forest and adopting forest-friendly livelihoods to reduce and reverse deforestation.
Part of Forests & Land Use