How Globalization is Changing Health for Indian Women: The Story Nobody’s Telling

Globalisation has been changing everything around us, from the food on our plates to the ways we find jobs and seek healthcare. But while it’s opened up new doors, it’s also created some unexpected health risks—especially for women in India. Take the booming health trade, for instance. Medical tourism, foreign investments in hospitals, and healthcare worker migration are reshaping healthcare access. Sounds good, right? But there’s a catch. Globalization brings along lifestyle shifts—richer foods, more processed options—and that’s fueling a rise in non-communicable diseases like obesity and diabetes. For Indian women, these health impacts are even more complicated. Globalisation shifts job markets, which should mean more work opportunities. But for many women, it often means low-paying, vulnerable jobs that expose them to risks of exploitation, from poor working conditions to trafficking. Add labor migration to the mix, and women are facing new health risks, both physical and mental, as they navigate unfamiliar places without support. Then there’s the deep-rooted cultural angle. In India, women’s health is tightly linked to their status in society. Cultural preferences for sons mean daughters are sometimes seen as financial burdens—leading to neglect or, in some cases, outright abuse. These attitudes affect every part of a woman’s life, including her health. With limited access to education and few work opportunities, many Indian women lack the power to make choices about their health, work, or even family planning. The numbers speak volumes: About 60% of married women in India have never even heard of HIV/AIDS, despite it being a significant issue. Many skip out on prenatal care because they think it’s “not necessary.” And only about half of Indian women have a say in their own healthcare decisions. Fixing this isn’t just about better hospitals or more doctors. It’s about valuing women equally, breaking down barriers, and creating a society that sees women’s health as a priority. When women are empowered to take control of their health, it benefits everyone—families, communities, and the entire country.