30, April 2026
Women And Health: Nutrition And Reproductive Rights in Northeast India
Author(s): 1.Chandrali Baruah Das, 2.Dikshita Bhattacharyya
Authors Affiliations:
1Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, KHS College, Assam, India
2Independent Scholar, Assam, India
DOIs:10.2015/IJIRMF/202604029 | Paper ID: IJIRMF202604029Abstract
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Abstract: Women’s health is an indicator of social development and gender equality, shaped by access to nutrition, healthcare, and reproductive autonomy. In Northeast India, women and most importantly, those from tribal communities continue to experience disproportionate health vulnerabilities rooted in geographical isolation, socio-economic marginalisation, cultural norms, and uneven health benefits. This paper examines women’s health in the region through the interconnected lenses of nutrition and reproductive rights, highlighting how nutritional deficiencies and constrained reproductive autonomy reinforce adverse health conditions. Based on secondary literature and national health data, the chapter analyses patterns of undernutrition, anaemia, and the emerging dual burden of malnutrition alongside reproductive health challenges such as early marriage, early childbearing, low contraceptive uptake, and limited access to reproductive healthcare services. Despite progressive legal frameworks and welfare schemes supporting maternal health, family planning, and reproductive rights, a persistent gap between awareness and utilisation of services, particularly among tribal women is most evident. Deeply embedded cultural beliefs, gendered responsibilities, societal norms, socio-economic disadvantage and inadequate health literacy further restrict women’s ability to utilise their full potential.
Keywords: Women’s Health, Nutrition, Reproductive Rights, Welfare Schemes, Northeast Studies.
Chandrali Baruah Das, Dikshita Bhattacharyya (2026); Women And Health: Nutrition And Reproductive Rights in Northeast India, International Journal for Innovative Research in Multidisciplinary Field, ISSN(O): 2455-0620, Vol-12, Issue-4, Available on – https://www.ijirmf.com/