The Marginalized Middle: Health Service Gaps in Quarter-to-mid-life Women
Abstract
SUMMARY: A disproportionate focus on fertility and reproductive function within health programs and policies in India obscures the health needs of quarter-to-midlife women. This paper aims to foreground this obfuscation of women in quarter-to-midlife and the implications of this neglect. Addressing health needs in this cohort is critical, not only due to biosocial vulnerabilities including anemia, early menopause, noncommunicable diseases, and mental health, but also because they represent the most active age group in both paid and unpaid work. Women's quarter-to-midlife health thus has implications for livelihood, wellbeing, and empowerment.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Gender
Health
and Social Inequality
Reproductive Health and Contraception
Menopause: Health Impacts and Treatments
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Indian Journal of Public Health
- Volume
- 70
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 107–110
- Publication date
- 1 January 2026
- Language
- EN