ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors revisit that concept with an eye toward health status as it relates to the economic, social, and political transition of Mongolia since its independence in 1992. They examine the pressures that political and economic transition in Mongolia exert on the female population as well as the critical link between economic opportunity and health, as highlighted by a savings-led microfinance intervention. Economic challenges exacerbated women's extant struggles related to Mongolia's political transition. The authors use the lens of women engaged in sex work because their well-being is closely linked to globalization and economic changes rippling through Mongolia. Violence linked to economic issues and to gender inequality is a far-reaching problem that creates some health issues and exacerbates other health issues. From the narratives of women engaged in sex work and their data from our HIV prevention studies, the authors found significant interest in, and subsequent use of, HIV prevention programs.
