Cathy Stephen
About Cathy Stephen
Cathy Stephen serves as the Global Technical Lead for Social Behaviour Change at Sightsavers, a position she has held since 2019. With a strong background in international development, she has worked with various NGOs and holds multiple degrees in relevant fields.
Work at Sightsavers
Cathy Stephen has served as the Global Technical Lead for Social Behaviour Change at Sightsavers since 2019. In this role, she leads participatory project design, learning, and training initiatives. Her focus includes developing technical guidance for Social Behaviour Change initiatives, emphasizing inclusive and accessible processes. Her work contributes to the organization's mission of improving the lives of people with disabilities and promoting social inclusion.
Previous Experience in International Development
Cathy Stephen has a diverse background in international development, having held various roles in prominent organizations. She worked at Plan UK as a WASH Adviser/Specialist from 2015 to 2019. Prior to that, she was an Africa Programme Support Officer at the British Red Cross from 2008 to 2010. Her experience also includes serving as a Technical Adviser for the Liberia WASH Consortium at Oxfam from 2013 to 2015, and as a Programme Development and Funding Officer at Progressio UK in Malawi and Zimbabwe.
Education and Expertise
Cathy Stephen holds multiple degrees relevant to her field. She earned a BSc in Geography & Sports Science from Loughborough University from 2001 to 2004. She furthered her education with an MSc in Development Studies from SOAS University of London in 2006. Additionally, she studied at Loughborough University’s Water, Engineering and Development Centre, achieving a Diploma in Water and Environmental Management from 2010 to 2012. Her academic background supports her expertise in strategic planning, capacity building, and gender inclusion in international development.
Focus on Gender and Inclusion
Cathy Stephen has significant experience in integrating gender and inclusion within international development projects. She shares insights on inclusive social behaviour change processes, particularly in projects across East and West Africa. Her work emphasizes the importance of accessibility and participation in development initiatives, ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered in project design and implementation.