Understanding Reproductive Health Services in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India: A Dalit Feminist Approach
The identity of women cannot be seen in isolation but as one that exists along with other constituents that intersect with class, race, sexuality and caste. Being a woman, a person is already at periphery and adding caste to it makes her more vulnerable. Thus, Dalit women are more subjugated in Indian society whether it is about leading a normal life or availing reproductive health services. This study primarily draws from a Dalit feminist perspective to understand the subjectivity and nuisances of the Dalit women who avail reproductive health services. While availing reproductive health services, the sort of discrimination the Dalit women face are denial in providing reproductive health services, creation and observation of distance from the Dalit women by the health practitioners and promotion of privatization of healthcare services. The study is based on qualitative research design which includes participant observation, in which a total of 27 married women were selected for the in-depth interview; among them, 16 women were from the Dalit community and 9 women were from the so-called upper caste community. This study was conducted in 2015 between February and April in Mau district of Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India.