ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on how women in India create and use social networks within gendered spaces to gain information and resolve problems related to reproductive tract infections (RTIs) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). In developing countries such as India, rural to urban migration is increasing the spread of STDs among women living in urban and rural areas (ICMR 1990; Times of India 2000). It is estimated that eight to ten million people in India, many of them women, will be infected with STDs by the year 2010 (Health Care Media Center India and WHO 1992). In India, women’s knowledge of RTIs and STDs and utilization of medical care services reflect their status in society. Rural women are especially vulnerable to RTIs and STDs due to their subordinated social and economic status. Their perceptions of risk and their knowledge and skills in interpreting prevention methods are often inadequate. They frequently are blamed and stigmatized for having an STD and therefore do not obtain treatment. The emphasis of the chapter, therefore, is on rural women, although social networks of both rural and urban women are discussed.
