Research Interests

As an interdisciplinary queer scholar, I am deeply committed to exploring the intersections of gender studies, health, and social justice. My research endeavours focus on amplifying marginalized narratives and shedding light on the nuanced complexities of identity politics, bodily autonomy, and lived experiences within diverse communities.

Utilizing a predominanetly qualitative and phenomenological approach, my academic work delves into various facets of gender dynamics and health disparities, particularly within the Indian context. From unravelling the intricacies of gender dysphoria and motherhood to examining the accessibility and quality of transgender healthcare, my research aims to challenge prevailing norms and advocate for inclusive practices.

As part of my research, I also engage with feminist constructs, particularly within the Indian context. My work examines what constitutes local feminism—how feminist ideals are reinterpreted and practiced in specific cultural and regional settings. Additionally, I explore how gender programs, when integrated with livelihood models, empower rural women by enhancing their agency, decision-making capacities, and social mobility. My research further delves into the evolution of feminism through the lens of the fourth wave, analyzing how digital platforms are being used to amplify feminist voices, challenge patriarchal norms, and foster solidarity across diverse communities in the digital space.

Through my research, I strive to foster inclusive spaces within academia and beyond, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and understanding society.

Research Portfolio

Demystifying the Dysphoric: A Re-telling of Trans Narratives of Gender Dysphoria and Identity Conceptualization

This qualitative study investigates the lived experiences and conceptualizations of Gender Dysphoria within the Transgender, Nonbinary, and Genderqueer (TNB) community in India. Employing a Critical theory and Interpretative paradigm framework rooted in phenomenological inquiry, the research explores the multifaceted narratives of 20 participants from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. The study's methodology includes a purposive criterion-based sampling method, allowing for the inclusion of individuals who self-identify as experiencing gender dysphoria, irrespective of formal medical diagnosis. The analysis unfolds across three thematic sections. Firstly, the study examines the Bio-Psycho-Social Constructs Of Gender Dysphoria, elucidating processes of self-identification, coping mechanisms, and the emergence of gender euphoria narratives. Secondly, it delves into the Social Underpinnings shaping dysphoria, highlighting the influences of gender cognition, upbringing, and interpersonal relationships, along with societal factors like play, clothing, schooling, and bullying. Finally, the research explores Identity Affirmation, documenting participants' steps towards aligning with their gender identity, including medical transitioning, and addressing the implications of gender identity in public domains. By centering marginalized voices and adopting an intersectional lens, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of Gender Dysphoria and its complex interplay with gender identity formation. It advocates for the validation of diverse experiences and calls for greater recognition of gender euphoria narratives in both academic discourse and advocacy efforts within the transgender community.

The Burdened Body: Using a Wellbeing lens to explore Accessibility & Quality of Transgender Healthcare in India

Transgender identities remain a site for both discursive debate and contention in the personal and political domains in India. Based on a qualitative study using a phenomenological model of inquiry, this chapter explores trans health through probing into questions of availability, accessibility, acceptability and quality of healthcare being availed of by trans people in India, drawing on the experiences of 40 trans persons, including transmen, transwomen and persons of non-binary gender identities. The chapter documents barriers to accessing healthcare that include infrastructural and geographical constraints, limited healthcare provider knowledge and competencies, unequal patient-practitioner relationships and the cis-normative healthcare system overall. The chapter identifies links between the nature of healthcare being availed and trans-specific behaviours of conforming, rejecting, negotiating, and affirming their identity through accessing healthcare. Participants described tolerating lower quality of care, visual conformity to birth gender to prevent discrimination, disclosure of identity to access appropriate forms of healthcare, avoidance or delay in accessing healthcare, and sourcing alternative solutions to healthcare, including self-care that could be risky. Both the socio-economic positionality of trans persons seeking care, as well as the belief systems of practitioners, contributed to skewed power dynamics between them. The trans narratives documented are a reminder of how trans identities are not expressions of sickness but non-conformity to current dominant social norms around gender and its manifestation across healthcare.

Link to the Paper

Burdens & Bonds: Self-formation, Bodily Autonomy & Transgender Subjectivities of Motherhood in India

Reproductive and feminist activism in India has typically focused on concerns of abortion and pregnancy centred on cisgender & heterosexual narratives of ‘glorified motherhood’ and that completely exclude the reproductive needs, body troubles and transgender subjectivities of motherhood. This research is a qualitative phenomenological exploration of constructions and lived experiences of motherhood among the TNB population in India. I seek to explore how TNB individuals conceptualize, experience & perform their ‘motherhood’ and parenting. The study draws on critical feminist theory and employs a grounded theory research design to capture nuances across the heterogeneous trans population. A sample of 10 participants with a mix of transwomen, transmen, non-binary individuals & cultural transgender communities (Hijra) was drawn purposively and explored three core experiences of motherhood through in-depth interviews.The analysis captures the Bio-medical construction of motherhood through pregnancy documented experiences of transmen and their perceived motherhood. The second construct of motherhood explored is that of how Hijra communities make meaning of their womanhood and embrace motherhood through their kinship practices. The last segment explores the rejection and reclamation of parenthood and addresses how trans people transform their role as parents and integrate it into their gender identity. This paper attempts to critique and challenge the cisnormative set-up of healthcare and familial systems.

The Voice Behind the Veil: An Exploratory Study on the Identity Politics of Muslim Women and the Practice of
Veiling (Hijab) in Hyderabad

This paper delves into the intricate dynamics surrounding the practice of veiling among Muslim women, particularly within the contemporary context of Hyderabad. Employing a phenomenological approach, it scrutinizes how the veil intersects with religious, gender, and class identities, positioning it as a focal point for understanding identity politics. Drawing on narratives from 53 Muslim women through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, a thematic analysis unveils the contextual specificity that shapes veiling-related identity politics. Moving beyond simplistic dichotomies, this study offers a nuanced examination of the veil, rejecting monolithic constructions and politically charged narratives. Instead, it explores the complexities inherent in veiling practices, acknowledging the diversity of experiences and perspectives among Muslim women. By interrogating the veil as a site of power, identity, and resistance, this paper seeks to unravel the multifaceted connections between veiling, religion, gender, and societal power structures. Ultimately, it aims to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of veiling practices and their broader socio-political implications.

Link to the Paper

Local Feminist Perspectives as Levers of Transformation: A Study from India

Funded by the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS)

This research explores the intersection of gender and health, and gender and climate action, to contextualize and understand local feminism in India. It examines how local women’s organizations and actors challenge patriarchal norms, build agency, and enhance decision-making capacities within their communities. The study’s objectives include investigating how existing socio-cultural norms hinder the development of sustainable, gender-transformative policies in health and climate change, as well as identifying local feminist perspectives that can be leveraged to advance gender equality in India. Furthermore, the research documents best practices from organizations that have successfully used feminist approaches to challenge patriarchal structures, aiming to stimulate policy dialogue and provide actionable recommendations to strengthen local feminist organizations as agents of transformation. The analysis draws from both global and national contexts, examining the interplay between policies, discourses, and feminist perspectives on health and climate action. Participant narratives are central to the study, providing insights into how local organizations confront gender inequality and implement gender-responsive strategies in their work. These narratives highlight the role of key actors—including government, INGOs, and local organizations—in addressing gender inequities through health and climate interventions. Through a qualitative approach that includes key informant interviews (KIIs) and an extensive review of feminist interventions, the study offers a comprehensive understanding of the potential for local feminist perspectives to drive meaningful change in health and climate policies.

Breaking the Invisible Hold of Gender: An Integrated Model for Women’s Skilling and Livelihood Programs

This paper examines the impact of an integrated skilling and livelihood model combined with gender awareness training in fostering holistic empowerment for rural women. Using the case of One Billion Literates Foundation (OBLF)’s skilling & gender programs, the research highlights how financial independence alone is insufficient in challenging entrenched patriarchal norms. The study explores the key findings across economic, social, and gender dimensions, emphasizing the transformative role that gender awareness plays in enhancing women's agency, decision-making capabilities, and mental well-being. It reveals that while participants experienced significant improvements in income and employability, broader empowerment was achieved through their participation in gender awareness programs that tackled issues such as reproductive rights, consent, health, and domestic violence. By creating spaces for self-reflection and collective dialogue, the program fostered personal identity development, mental health awareness, and stronger negotiation skills. The paper advocates for a dual-threaded model that integrates economic empowerment with gender consciousness, arguing that this comprehensive approach is crucial for dismantling systemic inequalities and promoting sustained empowerment for rural women.

Enhancing Literacy & Livelihoods: A Practical Framework For Primary Education In Resource-Constrained Settings

This study evaluates the effectiveness of the para-teacher model implemented by the One Billion Literates Foundation (OBLF) in enhancing teacher development and improving student outcomes in resource-constrained settings. By employing rural women as para-teachers and providing them with rigorous training in English proficiency, pedagogy, and student-centred teaching methods, the program aims to address educational deficits in under-resourced schools. Data collected from the study demonstrates significant improvements in student proficiency, particularly in speaking and writing, with para-teacher-led classrooms consistently outperforming non-intervention schools. Additionally, the program empowers women by fostering financial independence and challenging traditional gender norms within their communities. The findings highlight the success of bilingual and interactive pedagogies in promoting student engagement and critical thinking. The study concludes with recommendations for scaling the model, emphasizing the importance of continuous teacher training, technology integration, and community involvement to sustain and expand the program’s impact.

Arif, F.R., Chakraborty, A., & Sengupta, S. (2024) "Who ‘Cares’ While Working from Home? A Gendered Exploration of Care Roles and Time-use during the Covid-19 Pandemic among IT Sector Employees."

Since the 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, gender mainstreaming has been crucial in advancing gender equality, requiring the integration of gender perspectives into workplace structures and policies. However, unpaid social care and domestic work remain undervalued and invisible in economic assessments, disproportionately burdening women. This imbalance leads to time poverty, limiting women’s participation in the labor market and economic empowerment. Sustainable Development Goal 5.4 calls for recognizing, reducing, and redistributing unpaid care work to promote gender equality.

This study examines the gendered impacts of 'work from home' (WFH) during the COVID-19 pandemic on 488 middle-management employees (250 men and 238 women) in India's IT sector. Using a time-use survey, the research explores changes in gender norms and caregiving responsibilities under WFH dynamics. The study considers how factors such as marital status, age, work roles, and caregiving duties shaped women’s negotiation of time and work.

The findings reveal a redistribution of commuting time to domestic chores, with women still primarily responsible for cooking and cleaning. Men increased their involvement in childcare and elder care when their partners were also employed, but traditional gender roles largely persisted. While WFH provided temporary shifts in caregiving responsibilities, it did not fundamentally challenge entrenched norms. To promote greater female labor force participation, this research calls for the institutionalization of care work through gender-responsive workplace policies, including flexible schedules, institutionalized care breaks, and childcare infrastructure. These measures would redistribute caregiving responsibilities, fostering a more inclusive and gender-equal society.

Documenting the lived experiences of Bangladeshi Waste Pickers: Navigating Uncertainties and Conceptualizing Their Own Identity and the Notion of a Home

This study investigates the lived experiences of Bangladeshi migrant waste picker workers, focusing on how they navigate uncertainties and conceptualize their identities and the notion of 'home.' As migrant workers in urban India, these individuals face unique challenges related to precarious employment, socio-economic marginalization, and identity formation in a foreign environment. The research aims to explore the complex interplay between migration, labor, and identity, with a particular emphasis on how these workers adapt to shifting conditions and construct a sense of belonging despite their transient and often insecure circumstances. In addition to examining identity and belonging, the study delves into power relations, health concerns, and access to education within migrant communities. It explores how these workers confront systemic power imbalances in their labor environments, manage the health risks associated with their work, and navigate opportunities for education, both for themselves and their families. The research employs a qualitative approach, currently in the data collection phase, utilizing in-depth interviews and focus group discussions to capture the complex realities of these migrant workers. Through this lens, the study aims to contribute to broader discussions on migration, labor, and marginalization, offering insights into how power, health, and education shape the lived experiences of migrant waste pickers as they conceptualize 'home' in the face of uncertainty.

Upcoming Research

DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA & PSYCHOLOGICAL UNDERSTANDINGS OF GENDER DYSPHORIA

Over the past two years, my primary research has focused on transgender individuals' experiences accessing gender-affirmative healthcare, employing the AAAQ framework to explore availability, accessibility, acceptability, and quality of care. A key finding was that gender dysphoria significantly influenced their decisions regarding accessing affirmative healthcare and realizing their gender identities. Varied narratives emerged regarding the manifestation and triggers of dysphoria, prompting further investigation into its shaping and experiences within the TNB population. Despite the abundance of diagnostic protocols, the study revealed troubling realities in psychiatric evaluations, including instances of transphobia and conversion therapy. Participants often questioned evaluation methods, citing misdiagnosis and conflation with severe psychiatric disorders. Many reported tailoring narratives to fit predetermined dysphoria narratives or obtaining diagnoses to access hormone therapy. This underscores the need for a closer examination of gender dysphoria diagnosis, medical practitioner capabilities, processes, and ethical considerations in healthcare provision.

My current research focuses on the following questions:

How is gender dysphoria diagnosed in India, and what is the efficacy of current diagnostic criteria and methods?
What are the lived experiences of transgender and non-binary individuals in India seeking a gender dysphoria diagnosis, and how do therapy and psychiatric sessions impact their overall well-being and identity affirmation?

GENDER PEDAGOGIES & LOCAL FEMINIST PRAXIS

Over the past year, my research has centred on understanding how gender pedagogies are designed and implemented at the grassroots level, particularly within marginalized communities. This study aims to explore the methodologies of gender programs that work directly with these communities, analyzing how they tailor their approaches to be context-specific, taking into account factors such as age, class, and other socio-demographic elements. A key focus is understanding how these programs adapt their frameworks to make gender education relevant and effective in the local context.

Additionally, the research delves into the implementation strategies, training frameworks, and the gender pedagogies employed by various organizations. It examines the linkages and gaps between the gender curriculum and the pedagogical approaches used in practice. Another key area of interest is how local feminist consciousness is nurtured over time, addressing specific community issues while also identifying the challenges that remain unresolved. The study seeks to bridge the gap between theory and practice, providing insights into the evolving nature of feminist praxis at the community level.

My current research focuses on the following questions:

How do gender programs at the grassroots level tailor their methodologies to specific community contexts, considering age, class, and socio-demographic factors?
What are the implementation strategies, training frameworks, and pedagogies used in these gender programs, and what are the gaps or linkages between curriculum and pedagogy?
How is local feminist consciousness built over time within marginalized communities, and what issues have been effectively tackled through these programs? What challenges remain?