During the fall and spring semesters of 2015-16, Emma participated in the South Asia Center’s C.U. in India program, which began with a semester in the classroom with an introduction to the topic of study of Gender and development in India. She then spent the winter break in India completing her in country course requirements, and later completed her research project for the course in the spring. Her research project --"Health as a Pathway to Empowerment: Exploring the Capacity of the Health Services Provided by Durbar Samanwaya Mahila Committee (DMSC) to Politically Empower Sex Workers of Sonagatchi, Kolkata"-- was inspired by in–field observations and analysis, and brought together theory and practicum on the topic.
"This was a qualitative research project exploring health as a pathway to political empowerment. Numerous studies in women's development have shown how politically empowering women can lead to better health outcomes, however few have investigated the ways in which improved health can be an inherent act of political empowerment. Focused analysis of development theory was combined with onsite interviewing to ascertain the potential and true impact of DMSC's health services on subjects' access to and interest in political activity. I ultimately found that health services are indeed a pathway to political empowerment. In fact, the role they play in bolstering stability, security, and confidences makes them key. In conclusion, I recommend expanded funding of health-oriented development initiatives in recognition of the diverse influences such initiatives can have.
I could not possibly have conducted this research without the structure and access afforded me by the CU in India program.The program outfitted me with important contextual information on the setting and purpose of my research. It further better prepared me to be effective and sensitive in the field. The experience has strengthened my analytical skills and contributed greatly to my knowledge and understanding of sustainable, innovative development models.
The most rewarding part of this experience was seeing my classmates ideas and projects come to fruition. Additionally, the cultural exchange we were able to enjoy with our friends and colleagues at DMSC was tremendous. I suspect I will keep in touch with many of the people I met while in India for a very long time. I was deeply humbled by the great work being done.
I graduated in May 2015, and currently live and work in Philadelphia. I coordinate the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program of the Jefferson Hospital System Division of Infectious Diseases. I love my job! Ryan White Programs are government-funded and established to provide medical and social services to HIV/AIDS patients who are un- or under-insured. Every day I get to serve populations in great need, and every day I learn more about how we might build a future of quality care for everyone. Eventually, I will return to school to advance my education in public health and social work. And then, who knows?"
South Asia Studies