Revisiting Intersectionality in Dais' Work: Continuing marginalisation of traditional midwives' interagation and links with practitioners in India's health system

Abstract (English)

Dais, the most commonly used name given to traditional midwives in many parts of India are gradually losing their position and role in society as women with traditional skills and knowledge who support births at home in India. The Jeeva study (2010-2015) documented their position in the health structure, their knowledge and skills and and role during pregnancy and childbirth in 4 distinct and fairly remote locales in India. We add to this with what surveys tells us about
These 4 sites permitted the Jeeva researchers to look specifically at the
rural home-based traditional Midwives and documenting her identity, knowledge and
practices and skills and traditions and how they are transferred across generations. The study explores intersectionalities of caste, occupation and gender with formalization of midwifery and obstetric practice within this context.
I. Study Theoretical and Methodological details:
A 4 year ethnographic study looked at clusters of villages and interviewed women and dais and local health providers.15 Dais from each area were interviewed and women who were pregnant in the area were prospectively followed and interviewed to triangulate information provided around childbirth practices.
Information was also collected from mothers of infants and health providers to understand Dais roles. These were documented in two large reports.
Our current analysis Two axes of analysis: Theoretical-methodological and ethical reflections, keeping the Dais at the centre to understand the intersectionality of Caste/tribe; gender; formal education and policy adoption (SBA - WHO - skilled birth attendant) leading to marginalisation of Dais' work.
II. Understand and discuss disciplinary intersections: Through reanalysis of the interviews and a comparison of Dai and Ayurvedic practices, the Jeeva Study explored how traditional practices of Dais and Ayurveda overlap- Ayurveda is the dominant traditional system of medicine in India and has been elevated to be formally included in India's formal health system with its patriarchal roots in upper caste practitioners.