Sexual health communication between sex worker mothers and their children in India

Abstract

In India, relatively little is known about sex worker mothers’ beliefs regarding sexual health communication with their children. Using qualitative data collected in Kolkata, India, this study used the Parent Expansion of the Theory of Planned Behaviour to examine sex worker mothers’ beliefs about sexual health communication and factors shaping these beliefs. Sex worker mothers’ beliefs about sexual health communication were shaped by societal norms and collectivising processes often driven by Durbar Mahila Samanwaya Committee (DMSC), a sex workers’ collective in Kolkata, India. Specifically, we found that challenging stigma, assuming ownership over one’s body and health, and making relevant material resources and knowledge accessible and meaningful were key in supporting mothers to overcome barriers around sexual health communication. These collectivising processes shaped mothers’ beliefs about sexual health communication and facilitated their ability to engage in it. Future research, policies and programmes should consider the far-reaching impact of community-led structural interventions on sex worker mothers and their children.

Keywords:

• Sex work
• motherhood
• sexual health
• community-led structural intervention
• India

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by a University of Pennsylvania Center for Advanced Study of India Summer Travel Award and a University of Pennsylvania Leboy-Davies Women’s Studies Fellowship.