Project Title: Health, Heat, and Harvest: Addressing Sexual and Reproductive Health Challenges of Female Agricultural Labourers in Tappal, Uttar Pradesh
Client: Transforming Rural India Foundation (TRI)
Student Names: Phoebe Han, Seleena Jarligo, Steewa Philip, Alyssa Victorino
Faculty Lead: Veena Sriram
Fieldwork Location: New Delhi and Tappal (India)
Year: 2025-26
About the Project: This research examines how gender inequality, agricultural labour, and climate change intersect to shape the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) of female agricultural workers in Tappal, Uttar Pradesh, India. Findings suggest that deeply entrenched social barriers (i.e., women’s limited autonomy over healthcare, finances, and reproductive decisions), combined with a triple burden of care (i.e., juggling responsibilities around caregiving, housework, and agricultural labour), leaves women with little time or capacity to dedicate towards their health. These challenges are exacerbated by structural gaps in local health systems, including shortages of female gynaecologists and limited SRH diagnostic services. Additionally, climate change intensifies risks by increasing women’s exposure to rising heat, agrochemicals, and physically strenuous labour. The goal of this project was to raise awareness on the SRH needs of female agricultural workers and develop community-based policy recommendations around gender-responsive climate adaptation, mass education about gender equity and SRH, and interventions on public health service delivery.
Watch the team’s presentation: