Health issues of women migrants in slums of urban Aligarh

Abstract

Globally and nationally, women are migrating in a similar pattern as men, although they are differently affected by migration. Female migrant workers face a new set of challenges in the host states. The neglected and deprived women in slums often suffer from physical and mental health issues along with exposure to poor sexual and reproductive health, maternal morbidities and risk of infectious and non-communicable diseases. The present study has used a qualitative research design to highlight the mental, sexual and reproductive, maternal and general health-related perspectives and issues faced by migrant women in the slums in Aligarh city. The qualitative data were collected using a purposive sampling design from women in slums using open-ended interviews to understand the plight and vulnerability. The study found the health of migrants to be in a highly deteriorated state and recommended the need for the state to streamline the provisional care needs of women migrants in slums.