Reproductive Autonomy and Sexual Health: Experiences and Representations of Young Women Attending College and University in Mumbai, India

Abstract

The modernization of large urban cities in India is transforming cultural norms and is allowing more women to access higher education (Chasles, 2008; Manier, 2015). These social changes affect female identity, as marriage and pregnancy are two important constituents of Indian female identity (Abraham et Kumar, 1999, Unnithan, 2010; Widge, 2002). Does empowering women from educational and career standpoints translate to a greater reproductive autonomy? Does it empower them to pursue better overall sexual health? Few empirical data using a feminist theoretical frame are available on the sexual and reproductive health of young college and university women in India, limiting our understanding of the obstacles and difficulties they may encounter. This qualitative exploratory research was conducted from September to November 2016 in Mumbai. Ten female college and university students, aged between 20 and 25 years old, sexually active in the last twelve months, took part in individual semi-directive interviews. Preliminary analysis demonstrates that sexuality is an important part of their intimate relationships, for pleasure as much as commitment. However, because social norms dictate that premarital sexuality is inadmissible, young women face challenges such as being judged for having multiple sexual partners or being reluctant to inquire about or get proper contraception. Indeed, it is difficult for them to openly discuss with their relatives or health professionals about their sexuality and their contraceptive needs. Participants relied on limited and uneven contraceptive uses when having sexual relationships. The dynamics surrounding patriarchal social norms aforementioned seem to have created a line of misinformation and lack of control of contraception on the women’s part thus complicating and inhibiting their reproductive autonomy. Tensions between patriarchal and liberal norms (Manier, 2015) need to be addressed by promoting the concept of reproductive autonomy amongst Indian women’s movements working on reproductive health.