Case studies: Savita, Kusuma, Renuka, Jyoti

Gender roles - burdened with caring responsibilities (Savita, Kusuma and sisters in law, Kusuma is a little mother at the age of 8 when her mother dies, Renuka) Unequal responsibilities within marriage – within the home (Savita), in addition, going out for wage labour (Kusuma), Physical work overload (Renuka) Good daughter in law – gender norms

No control over their own bodies – Savita not allowed abortion, 5 th pregnancy against her will, Jyoti – tubectomy and abortion against her will Lower wages for same work Pregnant at the age of 18 – early marriage Pulled out of school – Kusuma did not conceive a year after marriage – fear Discounting self – Kusuma no need for medical help, Renuka did not tell anyone about lack of foetal movement

Unequal food – Savita Son preference – Savita feared birth of another daughter, Jyoti wanted another son Husband drinking and passing out on the road – socially accepted gender norms